Howard Zinn was an American historian, playwright, and social activist, best known for his book, A People's History of the United States. Born on August 24, 1922, in Brooklyn, New York, Zinn served as a bombardier in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing a career in academia. He taught at several institutions, including Boston University, where he focused on civil rights and anti-war movements. Zinn's work emphasized the perspectives of marginalized groups in American history, challenging traditional narratives. He believed in the importance of grassroots activism and often spoke out against war and social injustice, influencing generations of activists and scholars.