Customer Rating:      Summary: An important perspective Comment: Every high school student should read this book as a part of American history. While there is certainly a great deal more to know about our nation's history than what is contained in Zinn's analysis, it represents a critical perspective that is not to be found elsewhere.
And for those adults that never read it in school, try to find time to work through it. You're guaranteed to learn something important about how our country was founded and built that you didn't know before.
Having said that, this is a VERY dense book. It's not something that will keep you up at night reading bleary-eyed until you finish a chapter. In fact, it will help you sleep... even on the deck of an aircraft carrier.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Leftist History Comment: When one reads any of Zinn's writings, one should keep in mind Zinn's own admissions and opinions about history and his bias:
"Objectivity is impossible and it is also undesirable. That is, if it were possible it would be undesirable, because if you have any kind of a social aim, if you think history should serve society in some way; should serve the progress of the human race; should serve justice in some way, then it requires that you should make your selection on the basis of what you think will advance causes of humanity." ~ Howard Zinn
"I wanted my writing of history and my teaching of history to be a part of social struggle. I wanted to be a part of history and not just a recorder and teacher of history. So that kind of attitude towards history, history itself as a political act, has always informed my writing and my teaching." ~ Howard Zinn
Also note that there are no references or footnotes. Very poor scholarship from one who leftists laud as one of their best.
Customer Rating:      Summary: Essential reading Comment:
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