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Howard Zinn: A Radical American Vision
One of the most popular alternative histories of America is A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn. Originally published in 1980, this "new left textbook," which looks at American history "from below" - i.e., from the perspective of the disenfranchised and marginalized - has sold one million copies. This magnum opus is just one of the fifteen books that Howard Zinn has contributed over more than five decades, and at age 80 he continues to write and remains very actively engaged as a historian, activist, and enthusiastic proponent of radical social reform. For those who value the diversity of American voices and appreciate the importance of radically different viewpoints outside the mainstream, Howard Zinn is a national treasure.
This first-ever biography of Zinn traces in broad strokes the story of his life, placing special emphasis on his involvement in both the Civil Rights movement and the Viet Nam War protests. Besides discussing the major shaping events of his life, biographer and historian Davis Joyce summarizes each of Zinn's books within the context of his life, analyzes the evolution of Zinn's ideas, and concludes with a preliminary assessment of his life's work.
Joyce argues that Zinn's views are radical because they seek to bring about fundamental change in the political, social, and economic order. No armchair historian, Zinn has spent his whole life working for change, and he firmly believes that the American system needs to change radically to realize its own ideals. In a crucial passage from A People's History, Zinn boldly declares his agenda:
"I prefer to try to tell the story of the discovery of America from the viewpoint of the Arawaks, of the Constitution from the standpoint of the slaves, of Andrew Jackson as seen by the Cherokees, ... of the rise of industrialism as seen by the young women in the Lowell textile mills...."
Though some would label Zinn's positions anti-American, Joyce contends that Zinn's approach is rooted in the very ideals upon which the United States was founded, especially as embodied in the Declaration of Independence. His life has been motivated by the vision of what America could be, as opposed to what it actually is, and has been dedicated to the struggle to make that vision a reality. Joyce also considers how Zinn fits into the new left, radical school of historical writing of the 1960s and beyond.
For anyone who has ever been moved by Howard Zinn's unique vision of a better, more inclusive, and egalitarian American future, this biography will be an indispensable resource.
This first-ever biography of Zinn traces in broad strokes the story of his life, placing special emphasis on his involvement in both the Civil Rights movement and the Viet Nam War protests. Besides discussing the major shaping events of his life, biographer and historian Davis Joyce summarizes each of Zinn's books within the context of his life, analyzes the evolution of Zinn's ideas, and concludes with a preliminary assessment of his life's work.
Joyce argues that Zinn's views are radical because they seek to bring about fundamental change in the political, social, and economic order. No armchair historian, Zinn has spent his whole life working for change, and he firmly believes that the American system needs to change radically to realize its own ideals. In a crucial passage from A People's History, Zinn boldly declares his agenda:
"I prefer to try to tell the story of the discovery of America from the viewpoint of the Arawaks, of the Constitution from the standpoint of the slaves, of Andrew Jackson as seen by the Cherokees, ... of the rise of industrialism as seen by the young women in the Lowell textile mills...."
Though some would label Zinn's positions anti-American, Joyce contends that Zinn's approach is rooted in the very ideals upon which the United States was founded, especially as embodied in the Declaration of Independence. His life has been motivated by the vision of what America could be, as opposed to what it actually is, and has been dedicated to the struggle to make that vision a reality. Joyce also considers how Zinn fits into the new left, radical school of historical writing of the 1960s and beyond.
For anyone who has ever been moved by Howard Zinn's unique vision of a better, more inclusive, and egalitarian American future, this biography will be an indispensable resource.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
275 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 6, 2007
Having read quite a bit of Zinn, this biography did little to expand my understanding of Zinn's philosophy and work. Joyce, an admitted fan influenced by Zinn, focuses the majority of this biography around Zinn's major published work.
Maybe of little importance, I did learn that Matt Damon of "Good Will Hunting," was Howard Zinn's neighbor.
I don't have the hang of this book review business yet, so I will stop writing now.
Maybe of little importance, I did learn that Matt Damon of "Good Will Hunting," was Howard Zinn's neighbor.
I don't have the hang of this book review business yet, so I will stop writing now.
March 2, 2019
The most eye-opening part of the book is the section on Zinn's "Vietnam: The Logic of Withdrawal" (1967) discussed here pp.92-101 (in chapter 3 "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train, 1964-1973" pp.81-133). The section bears reading twice.
March 2, 2019
The most eye-opening part of the book is the section on Zinn's "Vietnam: The Logic of Withdrawal" (1967) discussed here pp.92-101 (in chapter 3 "You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train, 1964-1973" pp.81-133). The section bears reading twice.
July 2, 2024
Will use as a cornerstone of my educational career. Realized in this read that my optimism and outlook of the world has always been heavily based off of Zinn.
December 31, 2020
This book is a terrific introduction to the writings on Zinn, and to Zinn's views on history in general. A must-read for anyone interested in how history is written.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews