Culture

Howard Zinn Dead: Video, Interviews with Late Author, Historian

by Jon Azpiri | January 27, 2010 at 03:40 pm

2586 views | 3 Recommendations | 4 comments

Howard Zinn, noted writer and academic, died today of a heart attack today in Santa Monica. He was 87. Zinn was a noted activist who was involved in the Civil Rights movement as well as the movement to end the Vietnam war. Zinn is perhaps best known as the author of A People’s History of the United States, an influential history book that focused not on America's Founding Fathers, but on average Americans who helped shape history.

Movie fans may be familiar with A People's History of the United States since it was mentioned in the 1998 hit film Good Will Hunting. In the film, the lead character played by Matt Damon tells his therapist, played by Robin Williams, to read the Zinn's book. "If you want to read a real history book, read Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States," said Damon's character Will Hunting. "That book will knock you on your ass."

As a child, Matt Damon grew up near Howard Zinn. Damon later appeared in The People Speak, a documentary inspired by Zinn's book.

During his time at Boston University, Zinn fought to have school president John Silber dismissed. Zinn twice spearheaded faculty initiatives to oust the BU president. Silber later accused him of arson.

Zinn is survived by his daughter, his son, and five grandchildren. Funeral arrangements for Howard Zinn have yet to be announced.

10 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend This comment thread is now closed

Denis Mueller (not verified)

at 17:27 on January 27th, 2010

I made a film about Howard. He was special. I remember people seeing our film in Paris and saying "this is the America we love." The world will miss him. i sure do.

Wendy McGee (not verified)

at 15:51 on January 29th, 2010

My husband and I both loved Howard and his work. We cherish our autographed copy of "A People's History of the United States." Although I acknowledge JD Salinger's contributions as well, I believe every American student should read and own a copy of "A People's History...." We are grateful for Howard's many contributions and the courage of his convictions as a truly thinking and acting exemplary citizen, of the United States of America.BRAVO ZINN, WE SALUTE AND THANK YOU!

Lon Ball (not verified)

at 23:36 on January 29th, 2010

I just finished listening to Howard's Three Holy Wars speech <www.truthout.org/three-holy-wars56014> and was inspired to look up a biography of him to see where he taught...to look him up perhaps to compare notes about the Civil War that morphed into the Indian Wars to the detriment of the natives. Then I find here that he passed away two days ago. Well the greatest tribute to him and the actions we can take that will vindicate his insights is that many, many of us to take up his work; proliferate his work. Lets found a Religious (Pacifist) Left, for one example.