Tales of the Field

On Writing Ethnography, Second Edition

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Writing & Publishing, Composition & Creative Writing, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Anthropology
Cover of the book Tales of the Field by John Van Maanen, University of Chicago Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: John Van Maanen ISBN: 9780226849638
Publisher: University of Chicago Press Publication: June 1, 2011
Imprint: University of Chicago Press Language: English
Author: John Van Maanen
ISBN: 9780226849638
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Publication: June 1, 2011
Imprint: University of Chicago Press
Language: English

For more than twenty years, John Van Maanen’s Tales of the Field has been a definitive reference and guide for students, scholars, and practitioners of ethnography and beyond. Originally published in 1988, it was the one of the first works to detail and critically analyze the various styles and narrative conventions associated with written representations of culture. This is a book about the deskwork of fieldwork and the various ways culture is put forth in print. The core of the work is an extended discussion and illustration of three forms or genres of cultural representation—realist tales, confessional tales, and impressionist tales. The novel issues raised in Tales concern authorial voice, style, truth, objectivity, and point-of-view. Over the years, the work has both reflected and shaped changes in the field of ethnography.

In this second edition, Van Maanen’s substantial new Epilogue charts and illuminates changes in the field since the book’s first publication. Refreshingly humorous and accessible, Tales of the Field remains an invaluable introduction to novices learning the trade of fieldwork and a cornerstone of reference for veteran ethnographers.  

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For more than twenty years, John Van Maanen’s Tales of the Field has been a definitive reference and guide for students, scholars, and practitioners of ethnography and beyond. Originally published in 1988, it was the one of the first works to detail and critically analyze the various styles and narrative conventions associated with written representations of culture. This is a book about the deskwork of fieldwork and the various ways culture is put forth in print. The core of the work is an extended discussion and illustration of three forms or genres of cultural representation—realist tales, confessional tales, and impressionist tales. The novel issues raised in Tales concern authorial voice, style, truth, objectivity, and point-of-view. Over the years, the work has both reflected and shaped changes in the field of ethnography.

In this second edition, Van Maanen’s substantial new Epilogue charts and illuminates changes in the field since the book’s first publication. Refreshingly humorous and accessible, Tales of the Field remains an invaluable introduction to novices learning the trade of fieldwork and a cornerstone of reference for veteran ethnographers.  

More books from University of Chicago Press

Cover of the book The Black Image in the White Mind by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Write No Matter What by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Crisis of the House Divided by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book A Genealogy of Terror in Eighteenth-Century France by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Beyond the Map by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Good Enough for Government Work by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Good Money, Part 2 by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Landscapes of the Secular by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book The Soviet Union Today by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book The Democratic Constitution by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book How Knowledge Moves by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Before Voltaire by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book The Chicago Guide to Communicating Science by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book How to Humble a Wingnut and Other Lessons from Behavioral Economics by John Van Maanen
Cover of the book Dreams of Waking by John Van Maanen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy