In 'A People's History of the United States,' Howard Zinn redefines the American narrative by focusing on the experiences and struggles of marginalized groups throughout history. This provocative work unveils the hidden stories of Native Americans, slaves, women, and others who have been silenced in traditional historical accounts. Zinn challenges the reader to rethink the very foundations of American society and its values, highlighting the continuous fight for justice and equality. As he dives into pivotal moments where ordinary people stood against power, the book raises questions about who writes history and whose voices are heard. A compelling call to recognize the past in order to inform the future, it leaves readers hungry for deeper truths about the American experience.
By Howard Zinn
Published: 2015
"The history of our country is not one of inevitability but of the voices that were silenced, the struggles that were fought, and the resilience of those who dared to challenge the narrative."
With a new introduction by Anthony Arnove, this updated edition of the classic national bestseller reviews the book’s thirty-five year history and demonstrates once again why it is a significant contribution to a complete and balanced understanding of American history. Since its original landmark publication in 1980, A People's History of the United States has been chronicling American history 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. Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, A People's History of the United States is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of—and in the words of—America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. As historian Howard Zinn shows, many of our country's greatest battles—the fights for a fair wage, an eight-hour workday, child-labor laws, health and safety standards, universal suffrage, women's rights, racial equality—were carried out at the grassroots level, against bloody resistance. Covering Christopher Columbus's arrival through President Clinton's first term, A People's History of the United States, which was nominated for the American Book Award in 1981, features insightful analysis of the most important events in our history.
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“The history of our country is not one of inevitability but of the voices that were silenced, the struggles that were fought, and the resilience of those who dared to challenge the narrative.”
A People's History of the United States
By Howard Zinn
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Howard Zinn (1922-2010) was an American historian, playwright, and social activist, renowned for his distinctive approach to history that emphasized the voices of the marginalized and working-class. His most famous work, "A People's History of the United States," challenges traditional narratives and offers an alternative perspective on American history, focusing on the experiences of those often overlooked in mainstream accounts. Zinn's writing style is characterized by its accessibility and passionate advocacy for social justice, making complex historical issues relatable to a broad audience. Other significant works include "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train" and "The Zinn Reader." His legacy continues to inspire activists and historians alike.
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