The People Speak

Unabridged
Author: Howard Zinn
Narrator: James Earl Jones , Howard Zinn , Kurt Vonnegut , Harris Yulin , Andre Gregory , Jeff Zinn , Marisa Tomei , Danny Glover , Myla Pitt , Alfre Woodard , Alice Walker
Genres: History
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Date: March 2004
Length: 2 hours, 20 minutes
Ratings:
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  • CD
  • WMA

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Overview

In February 2003, a remarkable event took place in New York, a celebration of the millionth copy sold of Howard Zinn's great A People's History of the United States. Zinn drew on the words of Americans -- some famous, some little known -- across the range of American history. These words were read by distinguished people in the arts: Alice Walker, Alfre Woodard, Kurt Vonnegut, James Earl Jones, Danny Glover, Marisa Tomei, Harris Yulin, Andre Gregory and others.

From that event, this audio was born. It includes selections from Christopher Columbus, a Lowell mill worker, Frederick Douglass, Mark Twain, Helen Keller, Eugene Debs, a HUAC interrogation, Malcolm X, and a Gulf War resister, which are interwoven with commentary by Howard Zinn. This makes for exciting listening and is on its own an invaluable contribution to understanding American history.

Selected Reviews

You Had to be There

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 3/5

The People Speak By Howard Zinn

by Marisa
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 7

Reviews (7)

You Had to be There

Written by Anonymous from Memphis, TN on April 17th, 2008

  • Book Rating: 3/5

I guess you had to be there. I listened to the selections and did not enjoy it as much as the audience did who were present in the hall. The actors who read the selections seemed to be ill-prepared. The best reading was Fanny Lou Hamer.

The People Speak By Howard Zinn

Written by Marisa on August 23rd, 2007

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This is such an excellent book that brings history to life through the selections from history that Howard Zinn chose and the readers that he used. He has taken a hard look at this nation and not shied away from painful parts of our history. This has offered insight to learn from the real past and not the watered down history that we got in grade school.

People Speak

Written by Autumn Smith on November 1st, 2006

  • Book Rating: 5/5

Fascinating. I really was riveted by the stories and personal incite of those who spoke. I plan to rent this one again if not buy the book.

The People Speak

Written by Steve DeLeo on April 24th, 2006

  • Book Rating: 1/5

I have to say I didn't get very far into this selection. The author's agenda became quite apparent. Seems he cherry-picks American history in order to put European-Americans and our founding fathers in the worst light possible.

People Speak

Written by Linda Osborne on June 21st, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This work makes history come alive! Meaningful writings from America's past. I highly recommend this book!

great words, great readers

Written by Anonymous on June 8th, 2005

  • Book Rating: 5/5

This audiobook traces the history of fighting injustice in the United States through the words of people who lived through these times. They are powerfully brought to life by the likes of James Earl Jones and Danny Glover.

People Speak

Written by Warren Boroson from Hackensack, NJ on December 3rd, 2004

  • Book Rating: 4/5

Frederick Douglas's Fourth of July speech was mesmerizing--especially as read by James Earle Jones. Lionel Sander's testimony before the House Un-American Activities Committee was another standout.

Selected Reviews

You Had to be There

by Anonymous
  • Book Rating: 3/5

The People Speak By Howard Zinn

by Marisa
  • Book Rating: 5/5

More...

Read All 7

Author Details

Author Details

Zinn, Howard

"Howard Zinn is a historian, playwright, and social activist. He was a shipyard worker and Air Force bombardier before he went to college under the GI Bill and received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. He has taught at Spelman College and Boston University, and has been a visiting professor at the University of Paris and the University of Bologna. He has received the Thomas Merton Award, the Eugene V. Debs Award, the Upton Sinclair Award, and the Lannan Literary Award. He lives in Auburndale, Massachusetts.
"