Work of Controversial Historian Examined in New Book by Purdue Northwest Professor

Controversy has surrounded Howard Zinn’s bestselling book, “A People’s History of the United States,” since it was published in 1980. A new book by Purdue University Northwest Professor David Detmer, is a study of Zinn and the response to his influential work.

Detmer’s book, “Zinnophobia: The Battle over History in Education, Politics, and Scholarship,” summarizes Zinn’s life and work, analyzes Zinn’s theorizing about bias and objectivity in history, and provides a detailed response to Zinn’s critics. He also recounts an attempt to ban Zinn’s book from classrooms.

Detmer has been a member of the Purdue University Northwest faculty since 1989 and has authored four previous books. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he currently serves as chair of the Purdue University Northwest Faculty Senate.