A People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present
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Review
"Professor Zinn writes with an enthusiasm rarely encountered in the leaden prose of academic history, and his text is studded with telling quotations from labor leaders, war resisters and fugitive slaves. There are vivid descriptions of events that are usually ignored, such as the great railroad strike of 1877 and the brutal suppression of the Philippine independence movement at the turn of this century. Professor Zinn's chapter on Vietnam--bringing to life once again the free-fire zones, secret bombings, massacres and cover-ups--should be required reading for a new generation of students now facing conscription."-- Eric Foner, "New York Times Book Review""Zinn has written a brilliant and moving history of the American people from the point of view of those who have been exploited politically and economically and whose plight has been largely omitted from most histories. Extending its coverage...the book is an excellent antidote to establishment history. Seldom have quotations been so effectively used; the stories of blacks, women, Indians, and poor laborers of all nationalities are told in their own words. While the book is precise enough to please specialists, it should satisfy any adult reader." -- "Library Journal""One of the most important books I have ever read in a long life of reading...It's a wonderful, splendid book--a book that should be read by every American, student or otherwise, who wants to understand his country, its true history, and its hope for the future." -- Howard Fast
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Product Description
Colorful yet Scholarly, Howard Zinn's classic chronicles the American epic story from the bottom up, throwing out the official version of history taught in schools -- with its emphasis on "great" men in high places -- to focus on the street, the home, and the workplace. Many of our country's greatest battles -- the fight for a fair wage, an eight-hour work day, child-labor laws, health and safety standards, universal suffrage, woman's rights, racial equality -- were carried on at the grass-roots level. Covering through President Clinton's first term, A People's History of the United States tells the stories of the men and women involved with power and passion.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
64 of 67 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found this book a fascinating and accessible read; it makes you want to read excerpts to anyone who happens to be in the same room as you. Zinn does not claim to be unbiased; in fact, he freely admits that he has written the book from the viewpoint of ordinary American people.
Zinn clearly expounds his theory on American government and its control over American society and how this control dates right back to the founding fathers. Zinn explores how many different groups have been manipulated and exploited: native American indians, negros, the working class, draftees, women, farmers, unionists, the middle class, etc., etc.
Further, he argues that the purpose of American foreign policy is, and has been, to protect and expand America’s commercial interests behind a mask of protecting democracy and freedom. Zinn explores America’s military interference in Cuba, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and others.
This is one history book which is not in the least turgid and I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in history, politics or people.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
The opening chapter of Zinn's book is an essay on the political content of history. With Christopher Columbus as the case in point, Zinn shows that by choosing to emphasise certain facts, and downplay others, mainstream historians - in fact, all historians - stake out a political position. Even, or perhaps especially, when they would say they are being 'neutral' or 'objective'. In history and, by implication, the present; perspective matters.
That is why Zinn tells the story of the United States, not through the eyes of its statesman, great financiers, generals or industrialists, but through the eyes of ordinary people. That is to say: the displaced Native Americans, the enslaved Black people, the women struggling for the vote, the exploited working class, the civil rights movements, and the victims of US foreign policy during the Cold War.
This is remarkable. The popular narrative of the United States as land of liberty and opportunity is stripped bare, and torn down. In its place: a nation of contradictions and tensions, built on class war, ethnic cleansing, and manifold other repressions.
Now, in fact, a similar story could be told about a great many countries in the world. One reason it is particularly worth listening to Zinn's story about the US, is that the myth of the US, and its emancipatory principles, is so strong. As the premier world power of the present day, it does us well to understand where that power comes from.
Most important of all, this is neither a bleak book, nor a preachy one. It is a great work of narrative history, and as such lays as much emphasis on the courage and achievements of ordinary people, as it does upon their suffering. A great piece of writing. A book for our times, courageous and humane.
That is why Zinn tells the story of the United States, not through the eyes of its statesman, great financiers, generals or industrialists, but through the eyes of ordinary people. That is to say: the displaced Native Americans, the enslaved Black people, the women struggling for the vote, the exploited working class, the civil rights movements, and the victims of US foreign policy during the Cold War.
This is remarkable. The popular narrative of the United States as land of liberty and opportunity is stripped bare, and torn down. In its place: a nation of contradictions and tensions, built on class war, ethnic cleansing, and manifold other repressions.
Now, in fact, a similar story could be told about a great many countries in the world. One reason it is particularly worth listening to Zinn's story about the US, is that the myth of the US, and its emancipatory principles, is so strong. As the premier world power of the present day, it does us well to understand where that power comes from.
Most important of all, this is neither a bleak book, nor a preachy one. It is a great work of narrative history, and as such lays as much emphasis on the courage and achievements of ordinary people, as it does upon their suffering. A great piece of writing. A book for our times, courageous and humane.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although I have read a few histories of the United States this one had the scales falling from my eyes and smashing to smithereens on almost every page.
Never have I read an historical account that exposes the self-serving, elitist and hypocritical actions of government in such a brutal and frank way. That it happens to be about the USA is almost irrelevant given that most countries are guilty of the same hypocrisies and double standards that the US has been - certainly the UK has over its long history.
A book that leaves you shocked and angry about past and present deeds and embarrassed about the status quo.
It is a 'must read' book - even for non-Americans.
Never have I read an historical account that exposes the self-serving, elitist and hypocritical actions of government in such a brutal and frank way. That it happens to be about the USA is almost irrelevant given that most countries are guilty of the same hypocrisies and double standards that the US has been - certainly the UK has over its long history.
A book that leaves you shocked and angry about past and present deeds and embarrassed about the status quo.
It is a 'must read' book - even for non-Americans.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Very Finest US History Book
If what you are looking for is a US history book which will provide an overview of the history of that great nation then this is the book for you. Read more
Published 4 months ago by countvoncampbell
Great so far
I have recieved this book in excellent condititon...... and staretd it straight away. I am an regular reader of Irish and European history books but my interest in this book arose... Read more
Published 7 months ago by paul boud
excellent
Even the very first paragraph show that the book is unique and a very fair approach to the history of the US.
Published 7 months ago by fariborz
Did not tell me what I thought I wanted to know
I consider myself well informed on world events and history, however I had a nagging embarrassment of my lack of 'knowledge' about American history. Read more
Published 13 months ago by ljdaintyho
A People's History of the United States
4 going on 5 for an eye-opening book which must be kept in context.
Mr Zinn's expose of such American heroes as Andrew Jackson and even Lincoln makes a thought-provoking... Read more
Mr Zinn's expose of such American heroes as Andrew Jackson and even Lincoln makes a thought-provoking... Read more
Published 14 months ago by a flynn
Informative not gripping
Not an easy read as some reiews suggest, however it is a refreshing and informative antidote to the sickening americanism regularly pushed and preached in the media over the last... Read more
Published 22 months ago by horsewasblack
European view: US in a vacuum
I had high hopes for reading this book. It turned out to be a huge disapoitment. Here is my experience:
Some background: I am a skandinavian reader and a history fan and I was... Read more
Some background: I am a skandinavian reader and a history fan and I was... Read more
Published 23 months ago by J. T. Parkkari
Much too ambitious
Zinn's book is too ambitious. It's not much good as reference because detail is so thin. In contrast, AJP Taylor's 'English History 1914-1945' is narrower in time scale, mostly... Read more
Published 24 months ago by A. Simons
Greatest Story Ever Told?
How do you simplify such a great book in such a short space? I am not a great reader, something has to grab me and say read me and keep reading me. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2010 by Mr. Christopher Limb
superb
a brilliant read from start to finish. written with authority and care to engage the reader. superb.
Published on 18 Mar 2010 by Mr. A. W. Bishop
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