A People’s History of the United States tells the story of America from the point of view of those who have been traditionally left out of most history books. Author Howard Zinn draws on extensive research to paint a vivid and often shocking picture, showing how American democracy has always been flawed and biased in favor of the wealthy and powerful. This is not a celebratory account, but it provides an important corrective to mainstream narratives about American history.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for readers who want to gain a deeper understanding of America’s history, and the forces that have shaped it. It offers an alternate perspective on events that are often glossed over or ignored in traditional histories.
Pros :
- Provides an important corrective to mainstream narratives about American history
- Vivid and often shocking picture of America’s past
- Told from the point of view of those who have traditionally been left out of most history books
Cons :
- It can be difficult to read because it is dense with information.
- It does not always include the voices of people who have traditionally been left out of history books.
- It may challenge your beliefs about American history.
Learn more about the author
Howard Zinn was a historian, playwright, and social activist. He became famous for his work A People’s History of the United States, an alternative history of America from the point of view of those who have been traditionally left out of most history books. Zinn passed away in 2010 at the age of 87.
Reader Reviews
“A People’s History of the United States is a brilliant and moving history of the American people from the point of view of those who have been left out of most other histories. Howard Zinn has written an essential book for all Americans.”
“A brilliantly written and concise history of the American people from the point of view of those who have been left out of most other history books.”
“A People’s History is the history of the American people from the bottom up, and Zinn lets those who have been traditionally left out in the cold – women, minorities, labourers – tell their own stories. It is a lively and eye-opening account which will leave you itching to rethink everything you ever learnt about America’s past.”
“A People’s History of the United States is an eye-opening and essential read. Howard Zinn has done a brilliant job in presenting American history from the perspective of those people who have been systematically left out of most history books – namely, women, African Americans, Native Americans, and working class people. This book provides a much needed corrective to mainstream narratives about American history.”
