One of anthropology's leading writers on ethnographic methods, Harry Wolcott discusses the fundamental nature of ethnographic studies. Tracing its development from its disciplinary origins in sociology and anthropology, he points out what is distinctive about ethnography and what it means to conduct research in the ethnographic tradition. In this engaging and thought-provoking book, Wolcott distinguishes ethnography as more than just a set of field methods and practices, separating it from many related qualitative research traditions as 'a way of seeing' through the lens of culture. For both beginning and experienced ethnographers in a wide range of disciplines, Wolcott's book will provide important ideas for improving research practice.

"This casual yet informed synthesis, written in an egaging style, is what sets Wolcott's book apart from the humdrum of texts that discuss methods formally, often in a staccato, bland, and abstracted tone, usually detatched from application....Wolcott's excursion is a wonderful raft ride through the flows, eddies, and rapids of anthropological experience that is always theoretically informed." - H-Afrarts, December 2008