Howard Zinn (August 24, 1922 - January 27, 2010) was an American historian and political scientist.

Zinn's philosophy incorporated ideas from Marxism, anarchism, socialism, and social democracy. Since the 1960s, he was a visible figure in the Civil Rights and anti-war movements in the United States. He was also a staunch opponent of the death penalty.

An author of over 20 books, including the bestseller A People's History of the United States, Zinn was Professor Emeritus in the Political Science Department at Boston University. He died of an apparent heart attack whilst swimming, leaving behind his wife Roslyn. The couple have two children, Myla and Jeff, and five grandchildren. Roslyn is an artist and editor who has had a role in editing all of Zinn's books.

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