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A review by iffer
A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn
3.0
This is a solid, accessible, engaging (especially for a not "pop" non-fiction book) history book. It's a good survey of several instances of injustice, and populations'/communities', espeically marginalized ones, that joined in solidarity to effect change. I found this both a saddening and hopeful book. In addition to mourning for all those who have suffered in silence over the years, I couldn't help but see how much history really does repeat itself (not for the better); yet Zinn also shows the triumphs of various marginalized groups, especially when they come together, and points to this as a long-odds, but optimistic path to the future.
As with any history book, or even any new article, the author curates what he includes, as well as the spin that he puts on the events. I appreciate that Howard Zinn is upfront about his biases as well as his motivations for writing this book. However, at times I was frustrated that the work often felt intentionally created as a persuasive, rather than expository text (even if this was the author's intent). There would be compelling examples from history as well as the arts and personal accounts produced at the time, but instead of letting the reader draw his/her own conclusion, Zinn unsubtly uses section summary paragraphs to support his thesis: those in power cultivate a false sense of national identity and patriotism to prevent unified opposition by the majority while committing immoral actions to maintain the minority's power and profit.
Less obvious attempts at persuasio is a personal preference of mine, though, with nonfiction, and not necessarily a detraction. It is similar to how I prefer documentaries in which the information is laid out and only briefly summarized (even though I realize that presentation of information is also vital in persuasion).
As with any history book, or even any new article, the author curates what he includes, as well as the spin that he puts on the events. I appreciate that Howard Zinn is upfront about his biases as well as his motivations for writing this book. However, at times I was frustrated that the work often felt intentionally created as a persuasive, rather than expository text (even if this was the author's intent). There would be compelling examples from history as well as the arts and personal accounts produced at the time, but instead of letting the reader draw his/her own conclusion, Zinn unsubtly uses section summary paragraphs to support his thesis: those in power cultivate a false sense of national identity and patriotism to prevent unified opposition by the majority while committing immoral actions to maintain the minority's power and profit.
Less obvious attempts at persuasio is a personal preference of mine, though, with nonfiction, and not necessarily a detraction. It is similar to how I prefer documentaries in which the information is laid out and only briefly summarized (even though I realize that presentation of information is also vital in persuasion).