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A People's History of the United States

A People's History of the United States

Narrative non-fictionHistoryPolitics & Society
Pages
784
Published
1980
Language
English

Synopsis

This landmark work retells American history from the perspectives of those often left out of traditional narratives. Howard Zinn gives voice to factory workers, immigrants, women, and minorities, presenting a powerful account of the nation's past. It's a history that challenges conventional wisdom and highlights the struggles and contributions of everyday people.

Prose complexity
7/10

Vibe

Thought-ProvokingReflectiveInformativeComplex
Multiple POVs

Genres

History Politics & Society Sociology

About the author

H
Howard Zinn

Howard Zinn (August 24, 1922 – January 27, 2010) was an American historian, playwright, and socialist thinker. He was chair of the history and social sciences department at Spelman College, and a political science professor at Boston University. Zinn wrote over 20 books, including his best-selling and influential A People's History of the United States. In 2007, he published a version of it for younger readers, A Young People's History of the United States. Zinn described himself as "someth...

Frequently asked questions

  • Has this book been adapted for the screen?

    The book served as the primary source material for the 2009 documentary film titled The People Speak, which features various actors and musicians performing readings of historical documents and letters cited in the text.

  • How does this book differ from standard history textbooks?

    The narrative structure relies heavily on primary source documents such as letters, diaries, and speeches from marginalized groups to provide a bottom-up perspective that contrasts with the traditional focus on political and military leadership found in academic curricula.

  • Has A People's History of the United States won any major awards?

    The book was a runner-up (finalist) for the National Book Award in 1980, the year it was first published, though it did not win. It has since sold more than two million copies and become a widely assigned text in American schools and colleges.

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