The work of Erving Goffman has had an enormous impact throughout
the social sciences. Yet his writings have not received the
detailed scrutiny which they deserve.
This new book is the first comprehensive and accessible account
of Erving Goffman's contributions, ranging in its scope from his
very earliest work right up to the projects upon which he was
engaged at the time of his death. Goffman's writings, Manning
argues, are much more systematic and conceptually powerful than is
ordinarily acknowledged. The book thus offers a defence of
Goffman's writings as well as providing an introduction for those
who have no prior acquaintance with Goffman's ideas.
