Bringing together 35 of the most notable contributions of authors such as Kenneth Burke, Erving Goffman, and Eric Berne, this book provides an introduction to the dramaturgical perspective of social actions. Selections stem from the conception that many "real-life" actions and events can most adequately be understood in terms of drama. Included are discussions concerned with social theory, social interactions, roles, social psychology, social movements, ritual and ceremony, leadership, mass communications, and journalism research, as well as applied fields such as advertising and political-campaign management. (Author/KS)