Throughout his lifetime, radical historian Howard Zinn has emphasized the crucial role that protest and civil disobedience play in energizing and directing social change. In Zinn's worldview, the rebel who challenges government and authority is usually the one who leads the most progressive advances in peace, welfare, and social justice. "To criticize the government is the highest act of patriotism," writes Zinn. In this new collection of four essays-three of which are previously unpublished-the author of A People's History of the United States writes about the unique role of artists, activists, and publishers in working toward change.

Howard Zinn is a world-renowned historian, author, and public speaker. In February, 2003, he celebrated the publication of the millionth copy of his masterpiece, A People's History of the United States.