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A People's History of Science
Miners, Midwives, and "Low Mechanicks"

By Clifford D. Conner
Nation Books
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Praise for A People's History of Science

"Cliff Conner's A People's History of Science is a delightfully refreshing new look at the history of science. I know of nothing like it, because it approaches that history free of the usual elitist preconceptions, and shows, in an inspiring way, the role that ordinary people, working people, played in the development of science. He presents startling new historical data which should create some commotion in the halls of orthodoxy." --Howard Zinn, author of A People's History of the United States

“This is a thought-provoking and useful book for any historian of science.” —Isis, journal of The History of Science Society

"A People's History of Science sticks up for little guys. . . . Clifford D. Conner finds the fingerprints of the common man on humanity's great advances." --Jonathan Weiner, cover of the New York Times Book Review, December 18, 2005

“Conner has made a significant contribution to the people’s history genre. . . . Clearly, the time is ripe to bring together the people’s history of science and technology with the Veblen-Ayres tradition of institutional economics. Institutionalists can take a first step by reading the magisterial People’s History of Science. It is full of wonderful new stories relevant to institutionalism, both its teaching and theoretical application. The stories are not imaginary.”—William M. Dugger, Journal of Economic Issues, September 2007

“. . . this important book . . . is likely to become the standard for future study of the origins of science.”—Derek Lovejoy, Science & Society, July 2007

"In this persuasive history, Conner aggressively pursues evidence of how, since the earliest civilizations, elite scientists have suppressed and excluded lower class innovators while learning from and using their discoveries. . . . Conner writes clearly and skillfully shows connections as he ranges across time periods and disciplines from medicine to art to astronomy." --Publishers Weekly, November 14, 2005

"By concisely covering cultures around the world and multiple areas of science—not just theoretical science, like mathematics or chemistry, but practical, useful areas such as ceramics, telescopes, and architecture—Conner makes his point. . . . [H]is eloquently written book is accessible to lay readers and equally valuable for scholars. Highly recommended." --Library Journal, October 1, 2005

". . . valuable for bringing specialist literature to general readers, who will imbibe Conner's contention that manual workers, tradesmen, and craftsmen, through a trial-and-error process, created the empirical basis for the scientific revolution of the seventeenth century. . . . Conner's tome will instigate debate." --Booklist

"Revisionist history with a strong proletarian bent. . . . [W]e can be grateful to Conner for providing context and technical details for discoveries and inventions that fueled the scientific and industrial revolutions." --Kirkus Reviews

“. . . a great book, well worth the read. . . . I look forward to Conner’s next three books on the people’s history of science.” --John Vandermeer, Margaret Davis Collegiate Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan

“Cliff Conner's A People’s History of Science does for science what Howard Zinn did for American history. It is an altogether winning attempt to tell the story of the ordinary working person or peasant’s contribution to our knowledge of the natural world. . . . A People's History of Science is a singular achievement. Not only does it inform the reader about the role of the common man and woman in scientific innovation over the ages, it is also an important guide to further research in the area.” --Louis Proyect, Swans Commentary, swans.com, February 27, 2006

"There is a profound message underlying Conner's book, and the bright side of it is that any one of us, in our daily work, might discover or develop something of extraordinary significance. On the darker side, however, is the way members of the scientific elite have ignored, suppressed, discredited, or pirated the accomplishments and knowledge of ordinary people. This concept applies, of course, not only to science. In every human endeavor—from the art world to the corporate world—there is a tendency to dismiss or discourage the contributions of those who don't count, who don't have the right credentials, who come from the wrong side of the tracks." --Marcia Mungenast, MarketSmart newsletter

"A People’s History will not make you a physicist or a mathematician, but it is an essential guide in understanding the conceptual framework of these sciences. I loved this book and cannot recommend it highly enough." --Mary Scully, Socialist Action

“With A People's History of Science, Clifford D. Conner provides a long-overdue antidote to the ‘Great Man Theory of History' as applied to science. . . . a must-read for anyone wishing to learn how science has at times been of the people, by the people and for the people.” --Mary Rapien, Socialist Worker

Photo of Cliff Conner by Harry Glaser