This book brings up a lot of very interesting questions and topics (some new). It is great to read a more skeptical view of America's history and balance this with the very pro-American typical history books. It's better to be skeptical than to follow blindly.

History is written by the victors, and this is a great, fresh perspective that seems a little more fair and realistic.

Of the history books I have read, this was the most enjoyable.

Zinn's History provides some much needed perspective from minority groups throughout America's history, starting, of course, in 1492 with Columbus. The book provides interesting new interpretations of historical events and backs them up with a variety of source material. Zinn's prose is clear, poignant, and unabashed in addressing the grievances of a great many groups of people. For those who have only heard the victor's version of American history, this book will provide a sobering look at many of the issues that have been glossed over in the past.

On the downside, however, the book errs too far into a radical revision of history without really evaluating even a centrist perspective on past events. Zinn also seems to take particular glee in giving a truly punishing perspective on Republican party Presidents and activities while giving very brief attention to the controversy of Democrats. There is an incredibly small amount of information about FDR's presidency, which is astonishing given that he served longer than any other US President. At times, the book has the feel of a Michael Moore film: liberal propaganda meant to counterbalance conservative propaganda.

Of course, the book begins with an acknowledged bias, and this acknowledgment alone gives it a great deal more credibility. This is not an attempt to create an impartial, if different, history; rather, it is Zinn's attempt to call the middle and lower classes to "arms" against the oppressive doctrines that have been enacted on them. Zinn's main purpose in providing this history is to spur you into believing that less than 1% of people controlling 90% of the wealth is not good enough, and is not something we should settle for as a society.

Whether you are liberal or conservative, this book will provide an intriguing perspective about the many aspects of dominance and oppression in America's past; if you can tolerate the obvious bias, it is a fascinating read.