With contributors from the fields of sociology, linguistics and psychology, this appraisal of the work of Erving Goffman discusses the main parameters of his "interaction order", both expounding Goffman's own views and reporting research which develops his ideas further.

Erving Goffman was one of the most pre-eminent authors of the post-war period in social science. His ideas have had an extraordinary influence and have become well known to a wide audience. This is the first systematic appraisal of the legacy of his work.