This book looks at the work of the contemporary American sociologist Erving Goffman, as one of the leading symbolic interactionists. Taking up the metaphor of theatrical production in everyday life, Goffman’s basic goal was to demonstrate that even trivial, quasi-automatic interactions and gestures are really deeply rooted in the “deep structure” of social normativity. By providing a systemic overview and critical appraisal of Goffman’s work, this book aims to ‘introduce’ him to the local sociological scene.