Rating: 
Summary: AN INTRIGUING READ, NOTHING MORE NOTHING LESS
Review: A quick look at the reviews for this book will tell you just how difficult it is for a reader of Zinn's works to whistle and walk on. Either one ends up savagely dismissing him as a petty caviller, or extolling his brand of "eye opening" wisdom. I doubt I can add anything purposeful to this seemingly hot debate because I approached this book with a different intent altogether. I wanted this page of history to answer some of my business questions. How America came from a nowhere nation of vagrant Arawak Indian tribes just a few centuries ago to being a commerical (ok, and imperial) superpower in our times. My interest was not to equip myself with geewhiz anti-US trivia (although I picked up a fair bit on the way, tra la) but to answer the atavistic question of what promoted capitalistic thinking, meritocracy, love of freedom etc in the United states more than the rest of the planet (assuming this is true in the first place). And in that department, I have to say that this book left me startled. It might sound presumptuous but the quick answer is that there is nothing specific in the history or the anthropological station of US in this century and the last that may have accentuated its drive for capitalism. What's more, America was and is, just like any other country on the planet, subject to the exact same vagaries of civilization/humanity/bigotry/dogma that make and mar an empire every few centuries or so. I also recognize why this is very difficult for Americans to identify with or agree to, specially Americans who typify the inward looking solipsism of the current generation and perhaps the last 2 or so. I recommend this book highly as a VIEW of historical events that are difficult to deny occured. Whether the guardians of the old order spring into an attack or not this is bound to yank a lot of people (me included) out of a langour of perspective. Not all books need to be read to be "liked". Even a book that makes you constantly revulse in disagreement is worth a read for that precise reason. 5 stars from me.
Rating: 
Summary: You can't handle the truth!
Review: If you want to be throughly disgusted with the people who founded and ran (and still run) this country then this is the book for you! I have always enjoyed history and this book proves there is always more than one side to a story. Howard Zinn shows the path of American history from the perspective of the slaves, the poor people, and the soldiers who fought our wars. You wont find any 'hail the conquering hero' in this book, but what you will find are facts that you wont hear elsewhere. The parts I enjoyed reading about most included the relations with the Native Americans and the slave trade. I also liked reading about how the wars really started and why. This book is filled with crooked politicians and heightend my awareness of how powerful media spin affects government decisions. I think everyone should read this book along with what they learn in high school and college. It's eye opening.
Rating: 
Summary: Biased history is not history
Review: History, of course, is the study of the past. To be fair to students and readers, survey historians must attempt to write non-prejudicially, recording the good and the bad. The story of the American Indian, black, Hispanic, working man, Vietnam, etc. must be told, for it is history. The United States is not a perfect country, never has been, never will be, and no competent historian today would argue that it is. But when an historian deliberately sets out, as Zinn does, to present basically only one side of history, he distorts it, even though all his "facts" may be correct. Adolf Hitler loved his mother, loved dogs, adored Eva Braun; these are all "facts." Is this all we need to know about Hitler? Such would be bad history, and thus Zinn's is a bad book. This is not a "people's history" of the United States, for most of the people here have, since its inception, loved and supported this country and many, many thousands have been willing to die for it. And untold millions immigrated to it. Why? Because they wanted to be oppressed? Hardly. There is something about this country that has inspired devotion and longing that is rare in the annals of time. One would never get that from Zinn's book and that makes it a horribly unfair portrayal for a U. S. history survey. Zinn judges the totally of American history by late 20th century standards; there is no attempt to understand the mental processes of people in earlier times, admittedly a difficult thing to do. But the good historian must attempt it. Otherwise, the writing becomes prejudicial, unfair, and unhistorical; we are not going to want people 200 years from now judging us by their standards. Nothing, or no one, should excuse the bad this country has done: rights have been violated, people have been oppressed, injustices have been committed, though if one is really interested in that sort of history, I suggest a study of 20th century communism would provide a much richer harvest. But every standard history text today used on college campuses discusses in some detail the "negatives" of American history; there are no Washington Irving histories out there now, at least not used in college courses. I know, because I'm a college history professor. My suggestion is not to even waste time reading Zinn, because any good, balanced history of the U.S. will tell you the same story--but also the WHOLE story. If Zinn wants to write a history of oppression and racism, then there is a place, and a need, for that. But don't call it a "People's History of the United States," don't try to pass it off as a survey of the history of this country, because that is deceitful and dishonest, at best. The historian who is an ideologue, the historian with a "cause"--and believe me, plenty such exist today--is a bad historian.
Rating:
Summary: Great Intro to US History
Review: This was an excellent book because it offered me an angle to observe American histroy from which I had not previously been completely aware of. Although Zinn's views can sometimes go too far, I do think that even in the event of going too far he brings in new ideas that would provoke the reader into thinking about their veracity and therefore entering into a dialogue that does not always happen when reading. If you do not like liberal views this book is worth reading just to aquaint yourself with what the other side thinks and therefore strengthen your views from attacks; if you are liberal this book was written for you to salivate over. The many unmentioned or little mentioned groups of US history are given space in this book: women, blacks, unions, poor, etc. I found that I learned more about what is lamentable about America's past along with a greater appreciation for where America has come to be and where it still needs to go. A great thought provoking book that should be read by all Americans.
Rating:
Summary: This book will change your life
Review: I always hated history all through school. I was so tired of hearing about how great every American was and the candy coated version of American history most students are fed from the begining of their public school education. When I was a junior in high school (a Catholic High School) my amazing, awesome history teacher gave us a photocopy (illegal, yes I know) of the first chpater of this book. He had to give us a photocopy of the book because the book had been banned from the educational program by the PTA because it was "Communist Prodaganda." He told us "I am giving this to you because I want you to that the book I am supposed to use is in no way 100% accurate. I want you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions about how America started." He was nice enough to give me his copy of the Peoples History, I read it like a novel. Since then I have become very passionate about American History. So passionate that it is my college major. This book is important, brilliant and an essential book to every American. I'm sure almost everyone remembers being asked in school "why do we study history?" and I'm also sure we all remember "because we have to know where we come from, history repeats itself." It's times like these that this rings so, so true. History is repeating itself as we speak, and we if we aren't educated on the truth of our history and our present, we are doomed to not have a future.
Rating: 
Summary: This is very biased.
Review: Howard Zinn can easily be refuted by reading Catherine Millard's books on Christian history "REWRITING OF AMERICA'S HISTORY" and "GREAT STATESMEN AND HEROES". She clearly documents from original sources that the primary goal of missionaries starting with Columbus up to the 1800s wasn't gold but to simply evangelize. No, they didn't cram religion and destruction down the Indians' throat. To the contrary, they brought charity to the Natives and often peaceabley bargained for Native territory without a fight. Also, he no where alludes to the fact that the Viet Cong in the Vietnam War has committed far more atrocities than American G.I. During the Tet Offensive, for example, they murdered 3,000 civilians without a single trial from their own government. How does Howard Zinn respond to that? The My Lai Massacre was not governmental policy as Guenter Lewy demonstrates in 'AMERICA IN VIETNAM'. Rather, it was out of the norm, and even though Lieutenant Calley didn't receive a full 10 or 20 years sentence, at least the U.S. put their own G.I.S up for accountability. Compare that to North Vietnam where the Viet Cong got off the hook by their own communist government. I gave it a 3 because it does successfully quote arguments from the other side. So, interestingly enough, I can enjoy both views being presented although I do think the author is a bit biased.
Rating:
Summary: Belongs in the Folktale section of the bookstore
Review: Certainly not history, this book seems most like a religious melodrama, along the lines of the Left Behind series. Zinn's depiction of American historical figures indicates a serious misunderstanding of human nature. I'm not kidding here; he really does not understand people. Historical characters to him are not just flat, they're cartoonish. And I have to assume that his interpretation of historical events is intentionally distorted; otherwise he should set an appointment with a good psychiatrist. Revisionist stuff like this is always a better window into the troubled mind of its author, than a window on history. Take for example the bitter cry-baby tantrum he throws over the Florida 2000 election results. Is Zinn paranoid? Narcissistic? Or just plain insecure? Hey, I voted for Gore, but really, George's big brother Jeb didn't do anything. That sort of active conspiracy is just what's wrong with Zinn's interpretation of events. He ascribes evil intent to those whose politics he decries. The possibility of competing principles is ignored entirely. Many people suggest Zinn should go back to grad school, no doubt for a more complete understanding of history. I recommend that he go return to high school for some basic psychology.
Rating:
Summary: Thought Provoking Narrative
Review: United States history is what it is. Some (those who make school textbooks for one) try perhaps to put a positive spin on US History - they give the facts but gloss over the negative parts. Well, Howard Zinn sort of does the exact opposite. In this book everything is factual but negative. I really got the impression he has something against rich people. And while it very well may be true that 'the rich' as he calls 'them' are selfish and cruel - who isn't at times? Anyway, I really liked this book and its a great complement to a concise textbook read. If you read both Zinn and a comprehensive standard textbook you'll wind up feeling both more knowlegable about the colorful United States History and also more balanced in your outlook on life. I recommend this book.
Rating:
Summary: Sailed the ocean red
Review: Yes, this book will teach you everything your grammar school teacher forgot to mention about the history of the United States, the events leading up to its creation, but also the subsequent events that brought us to the current so-called war on terrorism. My only gripe is that with every page, I lose faith in humanity more and more. But that's of course, no fault of Zinn's. The fault lies with human greed and the desire for power. When I read the newspapers today, I think, will things ever get better? Will the lies and deception finally be revealed and will our civil liberties be reinstated so that we can have some faith in this country once again? But then I read this book and discovered we've been doing this for centuries. So why would it stop now? We can't change history (although many have succeeded in rewriting it), but we can change the history we make. So, you can read your grammar school history books and stay comfortably ignorant, but something will keep nagging at you, something just won't seem right in all that you read and all that you're told by the powers that be. And then you'll say to yourself, I need to know the truth. When you get there, read this book. This will be the start of your learning the truth - uncomfortable yes, but the truth nonetheless. And then, pass it on to all your friends who also desire to know the truth, and who truly want a better America that promises life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for ALL its citizens and residents. And then together, we can all make the changes necessary to accomplish this worthy task. And that's your homework for the rest of your life. Class dismissed.
Rating:
Summary: Required reading for all Americans.
Review: This may be the most important book of history written in quite some time. Zinn brilliantly includes Native Americans, Women, Workers, etc. -- All of the "People" who have been left out of our one-sided historical narrative of "progress" and "Manifest Destiny" that is taught in schools and colleges throughout this country. Here is a history of the working man, the oppressed minorities. It's a history of people struggling to raise their own standards of living and their place in a society that wasn't very inclusive. If you want to understand where we are in our history now and how we got there, you need to read this book.
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