Paine's daring prose paved the way for the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War. This volume also includes "The Crisis," "The Age of Reason," and "Agrarian Justice."
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"Without...Paine, the sword of Washington would have been wielded in vain."
-John Adams
-John Adams
About the Author
Thomas Paine was born in Thetford, England, in 1737, the son of a staymaker. He had little schooling and worked at a number of jobs, including tax collector, a position he lost for agitating for an increase in excisemen’s pay. Persuaded by Benjamin Franklin, he emigrated to America in 1774. In 1776 he began his American Crisis series of thirteen pamphlets, and also published the incalculably influential Common Sense, which established Paine not only as a truly revolutionary thinker, but as the American Revolution’s fiercest political theorist. In 1787 Paine returned to Europe, where he became involved in revolutionary politics. In England his books were burned by the public hangman. Escaping to France, Paine took part in drafting the French constitution and voted against the king’s execution. He was imprisoned for a year and narrowly missed execution himself. In 1802 he returned to America and lived in New York State, poor, ill and largely despised for his extremism and so-called atheism (he was in fact a deist). Thomas Paine died in 1809. His body was exhumed by William Cobbett, and the remains were taken to England for a memorial burial. Unfortunately, the remains were subsequently lost.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
127 of 131 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
In an unrelenting quest to understanding the history of the United States, one obscure name comes to mind, Thomas Paine. Paine helped establish the meaning of democracy and the "united" in United States. His two monumental works, COMMON SENSE AND RIGHTS OF MAN, provided the philosophical and rhetorical building blocks that the founding fathers, such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin, et al., would emulate with the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights. Many take for granted the origins of freedom and democracy in the United States, and as with many school history textbooks depict, Paine merely appears in a paragraph or two, and quickly disappears to historical oblivion.
Nevertheless, when one reads COMMON SENSE AND RIGHTS OF MAN: AND OTHER ESSENTIAL WRITINGS OF THOMAS PAINE, there will be no doubt how significant his philosophical and political writings transformed the political structure of the colonies. Although this may sound somewhat romanticized, Paine's words ignited the energy for the colonists to free themselves from the tyrannical-monarchical leadership of England's King George III. With all the talk of Paine being a founding father, he may also be considered the father of revolution, American Revolution and French Revolution, and human rights. Without the inspiration from his friend Edmund Burke, author of REFLECTIONS ON THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE, Paine may not have been able to write the pamphlet Rights of Man. Indeed, his power of the written word translated to revolutionary action, and Jeffersonian ideology.
In clear and no nonsense language, Paine's perspective of the state of the colonies are elaborately told in COMMON SENSE. He adamantly shows his opposition toward hereditary rule and limitations imposed on individuals by George III and his vehement disdain towards aristocrats and kings. For RIGHTS OF MAN, he proposed possible solutions toward poverty, and created a blueprint towards achieving social and political institutions through his written abstracts. The other essential writings include the pamphlets, THE CRISIS, part one of THE AGE OF REASON, and selections of AGRARIAN JUSTICE. These writings gives readers an idea the political and religious atmosphere in which Paine lived, and how "breaking ties" with the so-called "motherland" was necessary towards forging a free nation.
COMMON SENSE AND RIGHTS OF MAN is indeed accessible with its pocketbook size form. After reading the book, readers may have a better understanding of what it takes to build a nation. Paine's words are lessons of history and humanity, and is definitely recommendable reading.
Nevertheless, when one reads COMMON SENSE AND RIGHTS OF MAN: AND OTHER ESSENTIAL WRITINGS OF THOMAS PAINE, there will be no doubt how significant his philosophical and political writings transformed the political structure of the colonies. Although this may sound somewhat romanticized, Paine's words ignited the energy for the colonists to free themselves from the tyrannical-monarchical leadership of England's King George III. With all the talk of Paine being a founding father, he may also be considered the father of revolution, American Revolution and French Revolution, and human rights. Without the inspiration from his friend Edmund Burke, author of REFLECTIONS ON THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE, Paine may not have been able to write the pamphlet Rights of Man. Indeed, his power of the written word translated to revolutionary action, and Jeffersonian ideology.
In clear and no nonsense language, Paine's perspective of the state of the colonies are elaborately told in COMMON SENSE. He adamantly shows his opposition toward hereditary rule and limitations imposed on individuals by George III and his vehement disdain towards aristocrats and kings. For RIGHTS OF MAN, he proposed possible solutions toward poverty, and created a blueprint towards achieving social and political institutions through his written abstracts. The other essential writings include the pamphlets, THE CRISIS, part one of THE AGE OF REASON, and selections of AGRARIAN JUSTICE. These writings gives readers an idea the political and religious atmosphere in which Paine lived, and how "breaking ties" with the so-called "motherland" was necessary towards forging a free nation.
COMMON SENSE AND RIGHTS OF MAN is indeed accessible with its pocketbook size form. After reading the book, readers may have a better understanding of what it takes to build a nation. Paine's words are lessons of history and humanity, and is definitely recommendable reading.
72 of 77 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Thomas Paine's clear and concise writings make him one of the greatest political authors of his time. Basic thoughts of freedom and democracy, that seem so common place nowadays, were brought about because of Paines "radical" ideas. His books Common Sense and The Rights of Man were written not just for the political philosopher but also for the common man. Both the aforementioned books played a big part in the American and French Revolutions.
20 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is what we're founded on, what America is supposed to be, and the way we should conduct our political affairs. Paine should probably be required reading for every citizen, every student, anyone wondering what freedom really means. Besides being informative, it is incisive, sarcastic, humorous, and passionate. The English is old and dated, but that just adds to its delight. I read this in short segments and then thought about each chapter. It made me proud to be an American and sad to realize how much freedom we've lost since Paine's day.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Good reading
If you want to know a little more about USA's history then read this book. I know most dont care or have the time but this is a good book.
Published 2 months ago by G. Vanhuss
Nice
Very nice little booklet, that fits in your pocket. Has wax film over it for better protection from water or sweat when its sitting in your back pocket. Very detailed as well. Read more
Published 9 months ago by R. Talbot
Great Re-Read of History, Especially during these troubled times
Great introduction and forward in this book. Essential reading for any student of History. The man helped write and inspire two revolutions.
Published 10 months ago by Paul D. Pipher
Not Nearly as Brillant as Expected
Of all the great thinkers, I thought Paine would have some great, original ideas to speak about. Its just a bunch of big words, slightly fastidious. Read more
Published 17 months ago by Joe
Poorly edited version of a classic author's writings
Thomas Paine is essential reading to anyone who wants to understand American History. However, this particular edition, presented by Signet Classics, is the most disappointing... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Thomas A. Fenton
Required Reading for all Americans
Every American should read this book--especially in light of what is going on in our country right now. Amazing that a man had the insights he had in the 1770's
Published 17 months ago by John A.
solid read
This is a book that should be read by every citizen. It has remained vibrant and still addresses the issues we face today.
Published 19 months ago by G. Parish
Common Sense, The Rights of Man and Other Essential
Witen from his personal papers. and take a while to get use to the writing and old English meaning. But overall worth reading you get and understanding that we as an early colony... Read more
Published on May 9, 2010 by Gerry Labrie
Essential American Reader
I bought this with the Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federlist Papers. They form a basic part of American thought at the time of our founding. Read more
Published on March 14, 2010 by J. Harling
Just as advertised
A classic. Too bad Americans don't know this guy. Bought it for my European nephew for him to understand the USA.
Published on February 7, 2010 by Carlos L. Montes
Inside This Book
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First Sentence:
Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
mixed government, simple democratical form Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
National Assembly, French Revolution, The French Constitution, William the Conqueror, English Government, Jesus Christ, Garde du Corps, General Washington, United States, English Parliament, Count D'Artois, Cour Plénière, Declaration of Rights, Government of England, Sir William, Count Vergennes, House of Commons, General Burgoyne, English Nation, General Howe, House of Peers, Houses of Parliament, Marquis de La Fayette, Prime Minister, Mayor of Paris New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Perhaps the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. Read the first page Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
mixed government, simple democratical form Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
National Assembly, French Revolution, The French Constitution, William the Conqueror, English Government, Jesus Christ, Garde du Corps, General Washington, United States, English Parliament, Count D'Artois, Cour Plénière, Declaration of Rights, Government of England, Sir William, Count Vergennes, House of Commons, General Burgoyne, English Nation, General Howe, House of Peers, Houses of Parliament, Marquis de La Fayette, Prime Minister, Mayor of Paris New!
Books on Related Topics | Concordance | Text Stats Browse Sample Pages:
Front Cover | Table of Contents | First Pages | Back Cover | Surprise Me!
Citations (learn more)
This book cites 30
books:
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18
books
cite this book:
See all 18 books citing this book
- Rights of Man (Dover Thrift Editions) by Thomas Paine on 15 pages
- The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine on 7 pages
- Reflections on the Revolution in France & The Rights of Man by Edmund Burke in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
- Reflections on the Revolution in France (Oxford World's Classics) by Edmund Burke in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
- Reflections On The Revolution In France by Edmund Burke in Front Matter (1), and Front Matter (2)
See all 30 books this book cites
- Saving General Washington by J.R. Norton in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Declaring Freedom (How Government Works) by Gwenyth Swain in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)
- Alien Nation: Common Sense About America's Immigration Disaster by Peter Brimelow in Back Matter
- Race, Citizenship, and Law in American Literature (Cambridge Studies in American Literature and Culture) by Gregg D. Crane in Back Matter
- Citizen Tom Paine by Howard Fast on page 313
See all 18 books citing this book
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