The People's Historian: The Outsized Life of Howard Zinn

by Dave Zirin

A biography of iconic radical historian Howard Zinn, examining his life and work as a progressive icon and thought leader through the story of the times that shaped him as well as the United States of America.

From The Nation magazine columnist and New York Times bestselling author Dave Zirin, The People's Historian will be a deeply researched biography of Howard Zinn, the beloved author of the classic national bestseller with more than four million copies sold, A People's History of the United States.

With input from family and access to Zinn's personal papers, The People's Historian will paint a picture of the man behind A People's History, examining his work and legacy in the broader context of the United States.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

320 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 4, 2026

About the author

Named of the UTNE Reader’s “50 Visionaries Who Are Changing Our World”, Dave Zirin writes about the politics of sports for the Nation Magazine. He is their first sports writer in 150 years of existence. Zirin is also the host of Sirius XM Radio’s popular weekly show, Edge of Sports Radio. He has been called “the best sportswriter in the United States,” by Robert Lipsyte. Dave Zirin is, in addition, a columnist for SLAM Magazine and the Progressive.
[from http://www.edgeofsports.com/bio.html]

Reviews

[Wendy Wisner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An insightful and well-researched look at the life of the progressive hero. I enjoyed how the book interlaced the stories of Zinn’s own life with the development of his written work, drawing from personal notes as well as published material.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced reader copy.