"In the two decades since this book was first published, excuse- making
has flourished - both as a practice and as a process inviting
investigation and theory. Indeed, how could it be otherwise?" So write
the authors in their new introduction. But they also maintain that
excuse-making is a critical element in what social psychologists refer
to as "reality negotiation." Originally published by John Wiley in 1983.
Praise from readers "Illuminating the strategies that prop up favorable
views of self, this book is even more relevant today than when it was
first published." Roy F. Baumeister, Florida State University "Excuse
making is forever with us and this book still is our best guide to
understanding it." Sharon Stephens Brehm, Indiana University "A true
classic. It belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who wants to fully
understand the subtleties of interpersonal communication." Robert B.
Cialdani, Arizona State University "The best analysis of the tendency to
shift blame to others. Its style, consistency, comprehensiveness, and
theoretical insights are unmatched." Donelson R. Forsyth, Virginia
Commonwealth University "It is great to see this classic get a fresh
face. I highly recommend it." Everett L. Worthington, Virginia
Commonwealth University