A People's History of the United States

By: Howard Zinn

Narrated by: Jeff Zinn

Length: 34 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

"A wonderful, splendid book - a book that should be ready by every American, student or otherwise, who wants to understand his country, its true history, and its hope for the future." (Howard Fast)

For much of his life, historian Howard Zinn chronicled American history from the bottom up, throwing out the official version 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 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' arrival through President Clinton's first term, A People's History of the United States features insightful analysis of the most important events in our history.

©2009 Howard Zinn (P)2009 HarperCollins Publishers

Critic reviews

"Zinn's work is a vital corrective to triumphalist accounts." ( Publishers Weekly)

skeptical at first

the book covers us history through the opposition of big money/ government. the mistreatment of indians and blacks is discussed but also about the imperialism of the united states.

A 20/20 Hindsight Vote of History

After reading portions of the book, I got through it all and appreciate the perspective. This is not an alternative look at history, but a broader look back at history and the effects on those whose stories were previously untold.

great read. an honest look at our history

An unapologetic look at the occult history of our country not given to the american people through our educational systems. A honest and unflinching reflection of Anglo american culture taken from personal accounts through various times in our history.

Definitely recommend

I thought there would be a lot of editing issues, but there were so few and the book is so long, do not be swayed by the bad reviews.

I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys listening to lecture/textbook-style books and wants to relearn what you were taught in school. I have a whole new prospective.

Very Glad I Committed to it

This book is not the easiest listen due to the density of the content, but I'm so grateful I committed to it. I needed the balance of what this perspective offered me in comparison to my traditional education in history.

History From A Different Perspective

Most of us aren't presidents or congressmen. Yet, all of us are part of the progression of history. This book tells the stories of the ordinary people, the grassroots organizers and the folks just trying to get by. It shines a light on the often hidden power of the person on the street to make major changes in the forces that affect them: laws, corporate power, land use, human rights, even cultural expectations.

This is an excellent book, well written and well read.

Excellent!

So much information I never knew existed. I'm appalled at our nation's consistent unacceptable behavior.

Opened my eyes to see the world differently

Think you know your history -- our history -- from what you've learned in school? Read this? It is the story of ordinary people, struggling, sacrificing so that their communities and those who would come after, would be seen, and could participate in the world in which they lived. One of the most transformative books I have ever read.

excellent history of the United States

this is an excellent, well written history of the United States with extensive research to include so many stories, letters, speeches and events that should be of interest to all Americans who really believe in our democracy. if all Americans read it, it could help set a more enlightened and sustainable path forward that truly embraces equality justice for all and the right to life liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Informative, compelling

Engaging history lesson that helps build a narrative leading us straight to today. Though it came out over a decade ago, it does an excellent job of bringing the reader to place of context for today’s struggles in the US. Excellent story-telling!