Customer Reviews

Original Zinn: Conversations on History and Politics

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Howard Zinn not only makes history worth reading - he makes history. Historian, political activist, octogenarian and bestselling author of A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE UNITED STATES, he has been interviewed by Alternative Radio's David Barsamian (alternativeradio.org) a number of times over the past decade; and this latest publication is a collection of eight radio interviews between 2002 and 2005, showcasing Zinn's current thought on such issues as the bombing of Afghanistan, the occupation of Iraq, the so-called War on Terror, civil liberties, militarism, modern warfare, imperialism, economic inequality, privatization and, of course, the role of civil disobedience in an undemocratic society. Although, in the words of some critics, Barsamian merely asks `softball questions,' this book is clearly not aiming to persuade or cajole the reader. Rather, the format is more like one of F.D.R.'s fireside chats, or a friendly dialogue between Socrates and Crito. However, these are not mere theoretical musing. After his experience as a W.W.II bombardier, Zinn has led an active career striving to bring about real, concrete social change as a teacher, veteran of the Civil Rights Movement and peace advocate. Zinn enthusiasts will find much originality in this book, up to and including the speech he gave at Spelman College in 2005, forty-two years after being fired for "insubordination." Zinn newcomers, on the other hand, might want to Start with A PEOPLE'S HISTORY in order to lay groundwork for much of the historical material discussed in this volume. Whatever you start with, though, you should definitely start. Nothing this man has touched should go unread.

This was an interesting read from a man who knows his history and politics. I especially love his opinions on war and he seems to always back his arguments up with solid reasoning. If you really want to be blown away, read The People's History of the United States.