Author's Story
About the Author – Howard Zinn
Howard Zinn wasn’t your typical historian. From an early age, he was fascinated not just by the leaders and battles that shaped America, but by the stories of ordinary people—the workers, the activists, and the everyday heroes who often went unnoticed in textbooks.
After serving in World War II and witnessing the real impacts of war on ordinary soldiers, Zinn realized that history was too often told from the perspective of the powerful. Determined to give voice to those overlooked, he dedicated his life to researching, teaching, and writing history that truly reflects the experiences of the people.
A People’s History of the United States is the result of decades of careful research, interviews, and analysis. Zinn wanted readers to see history not as a set of dates and facts, but as the story of real people—struggling, fighting, and shaping the nation in ways that textbooks never fully reveal.
Today, his work is considered groundbreaking, widely read, and acclaimed for its clarity, insight, and commitment to truth. Zinn’s mission is simple: help readers understand the past so they can better navigate the present and imagine a fairer future.