A People's History of the United States

Highlights from the Twentieth Century

By: Howard Zinn

Narrated by: Matt Damon, Howard Zinn

Length: 8 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

For much of his life, historian Howard Zinn has been chronicling 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, Zinn's 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 - its women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, working poor, and immigrant laborers. Here we learn that many of our country's greatest battles - labor laws, women's rights, racial equality - were carried out at the grassroots level, against steel-willed resistance. This edition of A People's History of the United States features insightful analysis of some of the most important events in this country in the past 100 years.

Featuring a preface and afterword read by the author himself, this audio continues Howard Zinn's important contribution to a complete and balanced understanding of American history.

Also, listen to The People Speak, a celebration of Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States.

©1980, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2003 Howard Zinn (P)199, 2003 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Matt Damon's reading captures the spirit of the text. Like the book, Damon's voice has an edge to it. He expresses the author's outrage regarding the exploitation of certain groups in American history. He also communicates Zinn's admiration for the courage and determination demonstrated by protest leaders." ( AudioFile)

Required Reading

This book, together with, or replaced by severeal like it, is required reading for people aspiring to be human beings

Incredible journey through US history

This encompasses so much, and gave enough detail to educate, but moved quickly. I highly recommend.

Matt Damon’s narration was lovely with his soothing voice, and the author’s narration was also good, but his whistle while talking did get a bit much sometimes.

Howard Zinn > Matt Damon

The star power probably sells the audio books, but Howard was a more capable narrator than Matt.

Eye opening to remember that people write history books and often the winners are those people. Different people have different experiences. Experiences make stories make history.

"The Rest of the Story" as Paul Harvey said.

This is US History as it should be told; must be told. Listen closely

A must read...or hear

I was hooked as soon as I started listening. Matt Daemon has the perfect voice for this book. The book is intriguing and provides the history that is so often overlooked in the classroom. Very provocative.

Focused on the 20th century

I hadn't realized I had obtained a version of this book that's centered on recent history. Nonetheless, it illuminates the context leading up to today's controversies quite well and from a dozen perspectives.

Excellant!

I'm typically not much of a history buff, but I'm becoming one and listening to a great book like this really helps. It's easy to listen to, easy to follow and just right for novice history buffs like me. I highly recommend this book!

mind-opening

I wanted to know the real history of our nation -- not the sanitized, whitewashed version taught in schools. To understand our current crises of disparity in the areas of race, wealth, class, and gender, we must look honestly at our past.
This book has opened my eyes and my mind.

Awesome book about history

All history books should be like this were you give all the history. the food and the bad. not just what you want to convey.

Everyone Should Have This Book

A friend gifted me a hard copy of this book and it's a can't miss book. I have read or listened to it many times since. Every single person should read this book.