[The salesmen of Salesman] are driven by an antic demonology: the ethic of individual entrepreneurialism rages like a hectic in the blood. The commanding heights of the economy already scaled by the faceless inter-locking directorates of the billion-dollar corps., only the marshlands are left to direct selling—encyclopedias, books of Knowledge, door-to-door Bibles—all the bric-a-brac of social improvement. But the salesmen have pride in their craft, their self-image that of cottage artisans deluged by an earlier shift in production relationships. (p. 12)

Selling is freedom; but it is also survival. One false cadence, an over-eager handshake, a too-familiar confidence and all is lost. Back out to the chilling street, briefcase obstinately full….

The Maysles Brothers finally home in on Paul Brennan, the Thomas beginning to doubt. And doubters are not allowed. Kennie the sales supervisor knows that "one bad apple can destroy the whole barrel." (p. 13)

Paul is...