Is Howard Zinn a good historian for US history?

[Storm Bay]

I heard about him recently. Anyone here familiar with his work?

[MIch elle]

but he has a liberal bias. It's an interesting view of US history.

[Storm Bay]

but he has a liberal bias. It's an interesting view of US history.

 

 

Thanks. Would you say it would be worth reading alongside something of a conservative bias, or is there something better out there? Planning ahead here.

[Moira in MA]

I was working at our CSA last year and overheard a conversation that went something like this...

 

'yea, I'm at xyz prep school. We have speakers come in all the time.'

 

'Oh, who's come recently?'

 

'Well, we had Howard Zinn.'

 

'Oh. What was he like?'

 

'Really *boring*, he just droned on and on.'

 

'That sounds right. He's my grandfather....'

 

Had to laugh -- but quietly, since you never know who's listening....

 

Moira in MA

[Storm Bay]

I was working at our CSA last year and overheard a conversation that went something like this...

 

'yea, I'm at xyz prep school. We have speakers come in all the time.'

 

'Oh, who's come recently?'

 

'Well, we had Howard Zinn.'

 

'Oh. What was he like?'

 

'Really *boring*, he just droned on and on.'

 

'That sounds right. He's my grandfather....'

 

Had to laugh -- but quietly, since you never know who's listening....

 

Moira in MA

 

:lol::lol:

[jld]

I will definitely have my high schooler read some, if not all, of A People's History of the U.S. Mary Hood said she had her children read that book alongside, or right after, The Power (or Light?) and the Glory, a history of the U.S. by a conservative historian. She wanted them to compare opposing views of history.

 

Zinn also wrote an autobiography, You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train (I think that was the title). I find some of his views disturbing, but thought-provoking.

 

I would highly encourage you to read his works before, or alongside, your student. I think you might learn a lot (I did!).

[SusanAR]

I think you can read excerpts: here:

 

 

http://www.ditext.com/zinn/zinn-frame1.html

[Ibbygirl]

Oh, I absolutely love Howard Zinn. His personal history, his military experience as a bomber pilot, and how he came to his opinions, is amazing. I realize many like to label him the usual socialist/marxist but I've found his books so valuable. We typically read certain chapters in a regular text, then find the subject in one of Zinn's. Sometimes the differences in stories are almost unbelievable, tho he documents everything. Its all about balance; I think a student would get the most out of his writings only if he also reads a typical text; most texts are told from the kings, the armies, the governments' points of view; Zinn tells from the viewpoint from the commoner, the tenant farmer, the every day laborer, etc.

He does occasionally "drone on" in his speeches; I think he's in his late 80's now, so it's wonderful his memory is so clear. I also like how he answers his emails, every time I've written, he's replied within a few days.

 

Wow that's amazing that somebody that well known still answers their own e-mails. :) I've never read his works, but I am fascinated by the idea of history being told through the eyes of the commoners. That is very interesting. How did he find the material though I wonder?? weren't most commoners illiterate??

[SusanAR]

I have only read the excerpts from the link I posted above, so take this for what it is worth. I prefer a more moderate view of history than Zinn's "social' history. I think he looses sight of important political/diplomatic/economic issues.

[Beth in SW WA]

Zinn has a liberal bias. I would suggest reading A Patriot's History Of The United States by Larry Schweikart also.

[Storm Bay]

Thanks, everyone. Reading history from 2 points of view is exactly what I hope to do, with at least one of my dc. I think all history is biased, and that getting 2 or three different views is important.

[Shawna in Texas]

Oh, I absolutely love Howard Zinn. His personal history, his military experience as a bomber pilot, and how he came to his opinions, is amazing. I realize many like to label him the usual socialist/marxist but I've found his books so valuable. We typically read certain chapters in a regular text, then find the subject in one of Zinn's. Sometimes the differences in stories are almost unbelievable, tho he documents everything. Its all about balance; I think a student would get the most out of his writings only if he also reads a typical text; most texts are told from the kings, the armies, the governments' points of view; Zinn tells from the viewpoint from the commoner, the tenant farmer, the every day laborer, etc.

He does occasionally "drone on" in his speeches; I think he's in his late 80's now, so it's wonderful his memory is so clear. I also like how he answers his emails, every time I've written, he's replied within a few days.

 

I know that he has a book for younger students and one for general reading. Which of his books did you like particularly?