Probably the strangest way I’ve ever found out about a famous person’s death; I’ve been re-reading A People’s History over the last week, and last night I was wondering what Zinn was up to these days and decided to Google him.
Howard Zinn, influential 20th century historian and activist, dies at 87
I first learned about Howard Zinn back in high school, in the 1970s, when I read his book on Vietnam. I later re-encountered him with his People’s History of the United States, which I think (at least parts od) ought to be required reading. There’s a fascinating “graphic novel” sorta based on it, with Zinn himself as a character. Matt Damon also performs an audio book reading of parts of the book.
Zinn has been vilified, but he really does let the facts speak for themselves. He explicitly states that he’s looking at US History from other points of view. You may disagree with his doing that, but he’s upfront about it, and doesn’t try to hide it.
I’d heard that the book A Patriot’s History of the United States was supposed to be a reply to Zinn’s book. It even copies the style of the title, and even the typeface. So I was curious to see how they responded to Zinn’s report on Columbus and his actions – Zinn’s book has been condemned in some circles precisely for that section, and his treatment of Columbus. What, I wondered, was the counterargument?
Essentially, there wasn’t one. Aside from stating a few inarguable facts about Columbus’ expeditions, they don’t address Zinn’s citing of actions and atrocities committed by Columbus and those under him. The response, then, was to simply ignore the charges.
Isn’t that odd when it happens? I’ve mentioned someone one minute and the same day they pass away.
The last time I was randomly discussing John Hughes movies with someone. He died that afternoon.
No, I don’t think it’s my fault. 
I was going to start this thread the day he died but didn’t want to deal with any debate. Thanks for starting this.
Never give up, never give in, “never again”. A true loss.
Zinn’s book is on my list of things to read. Haven’t read it though.
I’m not letting you know my real name. 
Wow. RIP.
Aww, well, another one of us bites the dust. A great loss of a great scholar and writer, imo.
Just to add, I found out once that an old aquantiance of mine had died while watching a DVD of Texas Chainsaw Massacre and wondering, “whatever happened to old Bob?” (Robert Burns, who did the art direction, i.e. created “leatherface” and the whole ambiance of the settings and special effects and who briefly dated my sister-in-law in Austin).
So I googled him.
Turns out ol’ Bob had died a few mths prior. RIP.
I saw Zinn on TV many times. Link TV ran his speeches and classes sometimes too. I know repubs hated him. They don’t like historians who point out errors we make in America.
What a fantastic historian… i counted myself lucky i was able to see him lecture in person… and People’s history is one of those books that i don’t lend out LOL… you can read it but it stays at my place lol…
WOnderful man… great american…
I first encountered People’s History of the United States in my CP and AP history classes. The teacher had several copies on the shelf, and she encouraged each of us to purchase our own (I did). What an outstanding resource! RIP, Mr. Zinn.