Books on Sociology

A People's History of Science

Miners, Midwives, and Low Mechaniks

By Clifford D. Conner

In the traditional history of science, a few extraordinary men--Galileo, Newton, Einstein--tower over the masses. But science has always been a collective endeavor. This book turns our attention to the ordinary, working people who furthered the development of science.

American Rebels

By Jack Newfield

In this anthology of original essays, leading American writers discuss individuals who reconciled authentic patriotism with original artistic creation, unpopular opinion, and real moral principles.

The Samaritan's Dilemma

Should Government Help Your Neighbor?

By Deborah Stone

Read reviews of the book here and here.

The American Dream

Walking in the Shoes of Carnies, Arms Dealers, Immigrant Dreamers, Pot Farmers, and Christian Believers

By Harmon Leon

For more information, visit Harmon Leon's blog.

Working In The Shadows

A Year of Doing the Jobs Americans Won't Do

By Gabriel Thompson

What is it like to do the back-breaking work of immigrants? To find out, Gabriel Thompson spent a year working alongside Latino immigrants who initially thought he was either crazy or an undercover immigration agent. Combining personal narrative with investigative reporting, Thompson shines a bright light on the underside of the American economy, exposing harsh working conditions, union busting and lax government enforcement—while telling the stories of workers, undocumented immigrants and desperate U.S. citizens alike, forced to live with chronic back pain in the pursuit of $8 an hour.

Watch Thompson on C-SPAN's Book TV on March 20-21.