Dr. Stephen Pimpare (left), associate professor of political science at Yeshiva College and Wurzweiler School of Social Work, is the winner of this year’s Michael Harrington Book Award from the New Political Science section of the American Political Science Association (APSA) for his book A People’s History of Poverty in America.

A People’s History, published in November by the New Press, is Pimpare’s second book. It was well received by the press. Read more about it here.

The APSA committee, observed: “The future of the American welfare state has been an important topic for decades. Pimpare’s work is an outstanding addition to the literature. The committee was impressed by the author’s historically grounded scholarship, the novelty of his approach and use of sources, and the eloquence of his exposition. Driven by deep commitments to social equality and justice, Pimpare’s book contributes to the Michael Harrington tradition in powerful ways.”

Pimpare received the award in a ceremony at the APSA annual conference in Toronto on Sept. 5. The Michael Harrington Award is “ to help make the study of politics relevant to the struggle for a better world” according to APSA’s Web site. Harrington was a political activist and founder of the Democratic Socialists of America. He was a professor of political science at Queens College for many years and was arguably the most well-known socialist in the United States during his lifetime. Harrington's book, The Other America, is widely credited with drawing the Kennedy Administration's attention to American poverty, and helping to lay the groundwork for President Lyndon B. Johnson War on Poverty legislation.

Pimpare is at work on another book, titled The Celluloid Poorhouse: Poverty in American Film.