A People's History of the United States

About this book

THE CLASSIC NATIONAL BESTSELLER"A wonderful, splendid book--a book that should be read by every American, student or otherwise, who wants to understand his country, its true history, and its hope for the future." -Howard FastHistorian Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States chronicles American history from the bottom up, throwing out the official narrative taught in schools--with its emphasis on great men in high places--to focus on the street, the home, and the workplace.Known for its lively, clear prose as well as its scholarly research, this work of social history is the only volume to tell America's story from the point of view of--and in the words of--America's women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, the working poor, and immigrant laborers. As Zinn shows, many of our country's greatest battles--the fights for a fair wage, an eight-hour workday, child-labor laws, health and safety standards, universal suffrage, women's rights, racial equality--were carried out by powerful social movements at the grassroots level, against bloody resistance.Covering Christopher Columbus's arrival through President Clinton's first term, A People's History of the United States features a critical perspective and insightful analysis of the most important events in our history. This edition also includes an introduction by Anthony Arnove, who wrote, directed, and produced The People Speak with Zinn and who coauthored, with Zinn, Voices of a People's History of the United States.This beautifully designed Harper Perennial Deluxe Edition features French flaps and deckle-edge pages.What does American history look like when told not by its generals and presidents, but by its rebels, workers, and everyday people? Untold Stories of American History: Go beyond the 'great men' to discover the vital role of women, factory workers, African-Americans, Native Americans, and immigrant laborers in shaping the nation. Class Conflict and Resistance: Witness the nation's greatest battles--from fights for a fair wage and an eight-hour workday to the struggle for racial equality--as they were fought at the grassroots level. Reexamining the Official Narrative: Challenge the history taught in schools with a groundbreaking account that reveals the fierce conflicts of interest between conquerors and conquered, masters and slaves, and capitalists and workers. A Voice for the Overlooked: From Christopher Columbus's arrival to the modern era, see pivotal events through the eyes of those on the street, in the home, and at the workplace, not just in the halls of power.