One must already know historical facts. And be aware that Zinn has definite views, especially on imperialism. He is not a fan of statesmen. He is an advocate for people: indigenous, migrants, women, etc. His books are to be studied while being read. One may disagree with some assertions he makes, but one will think about those assertions.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A few jarring typo's but the price was right and the story line has points to make you really think! My first downloaded book.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
The copy of the book I received has some wear and some water damage to the last 100 pages so that's why I gave an average score, but everything is still readable so it's ok. As for the content of the book, it's a left wing view of U.S. history. My history teacher had my class buy this book and one from the author Schweikart (who is a right wing view) so it's nice to see different perspectives. Zinn has a lot of examples and statistics which paints a more understanding picture. The chapters are a tad too long for my liking because I have trouble concentrating, but most the stuff he talks about is interesting enough to hold your attention.
Howard Zinn opened my eyes to actual events in our country's history. Mostly, all the little details that were left out of our public school history books. I really liked the way he backed up all of his findings by publishing where you could look up the facts in his book. Most authors write about their personnal feelings. Not Howard, he went to great lengths to prove the facts. I first heard about this book in the motion picture "Good Will Hunting". In the movie, Matt Damon told Robin Williams, "If you want to know the real history of the United States, you should read Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States, it will blow your f***'n mind!". I looked the book up, found it, and read it. Just like Will Hunting said, it blew my mind. A must read for all Americans.Read full review
This book changed my life! It is a powerful alternative perspective on American history. Zinn is an incredible writer who will make you see history through the people's eyes, dispelling many things you were taught in primary education as part of socialization into the "good citizen" role. Not that we don't need good citizens...we absolutely do. But we need educated, critical thinkers, who understand history as it truly was, not as we'd like it to have been. We learn from history,so that we don't repeat our mistakes. We can't spin it through rose colored glasses, and pretend we didn't make any. One thing is for sure; this book will make you angry and tug at the heart strings. You will not walk away thinking the same way you did before you read it.
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