A biography of iconic radical historian Howard Zinn, examining his life and work as a progressive icon and thought leader through the story of the times that shaped him and the country.
From The Nation magazine columnist and New York Times bestselling author Dave Zirin, The People’s Historian is a deeply researched biography of Howard Zinn, the beloved author of many books, including the classic national bestseller with more than four million copies sold, A People’s History of the United States.
The People’s Historian paints a picture of the man behind A People’s History, examining his work and legacy in the broader context of the United States. [Publisher’s description.]
Published by Penguin Random House, 2026.
Table of Contents
Introduction • p. 1
CHAPTER 1: “A Jungle of Terrible Odors” • p. 15
CHAPTER 2: The Bombardier • p. 29
CHAPTER 3: Howard: Code Name Howie • p. 38
CHAPTER 4: What Spelman Taught Howard Zinn • p. 66
CHAPTER 5: White Man in the Black Freedom Struggle • p. 102
CHAPTER 6: America’s War • p. 136
CHAPTER 7: Silber Agonistes • p. 169
CHAPTER 8: The Book That Won’t Stop Selling • p. 199
CHAPTER 9: Howie Meets Hollywood • p. 213
CHAPTER 10: She Made the Plants Grow • p. 233
EPILOGUE: “Hope Is a Discipline” • p. 244
Acknowledgments • p. 253
Notes • p. 257
Index • p. 297
