Readings from Voices of a People's History of the United States

Teacher and activist Howard Zinn's A People's History of the United States became a surprise bestseller among textbooks of American history; Zinn and Anthony Arnove's Voices of a People's History of the United States is a follow-up companion volume that collects primary sources reflecting the populist, anti-establishment, and decidedly pacifistic tone of the original. This program presents a celebratory reading of excerpts from the new book at the New York Society for Ethical Culture in October 2004. After an introduction by Amy Goodman of Democracy Now and remarks by Zinn (rumpled and amiable as always), presenters—including Wallace Shawn, John Sayles, Lili Taylor, Brian Jones, Sarah Jones, Leslie Silva, and Paul Robeson, Jr.—offer 21 readings, dating from Bartholomé de Las Casas' 1542 work on the European devastation of the indigenous population of the Americas, to a 2001 protest against violent reprisal from parents of a victim of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. The production is very straightforward: the readers simply sit onstage until their turn to step to the podium and deliver a passage. One's reaction to this disc will depend to some extent on an affinity for the provocative point of view that Zinn represents, but there's no question the material is quite powerful (as witnessed by the vociferous approval of the audience). A fine complement to the book that should also be especially welcome for classroom use, this thought-provoking program serves as an excellent tribute to a historian of deep principle and commitment. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)