Thomas Paine: Firebrand of the Revolution (Oxford Portraits) [Hardcover]

Harvey J. Kaye (Author)

Book Description

Series: Oxford Portraits | Publication Date: April 6, 2000

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was one of the most fascinating figures of the late 18th century. His public antagonist and personal friend John Adams believed that their times would come to be known as the "Age of Paine." He came to America in middle age and became a radical-democratic pamphleteer, effectively turning colonial rebellion into a national liberation movement. He later returned to Europe where he played a prominent role in both the French Revolution and the cause of English radicalism. Paine is best remembered for his books: the controversial The Rights of Man and his book on the American Revolution, Common Sense. Harvey J. Kaye, well-known for his studies on Paine and his period, traces the English revolutionary's life and details his political writings in accessible, highly readable narrative that also covers important events of early American history.

Oxford Portraits is a new series of biographies for young adults. Written by prominent writers and historians, each of these titles is designed to supplement the core texts of the middle and high school curriculum with intriguing, thoroughly informative and insightful accounts of the lives and work of the notable men and women who helped shape history. Each book is illustrated with numerous graphics, photographs, and documents. A unique feature is the inclusion of sidebars containing primary source material, mostly excerpts from the subject's writings. A chronology, further reading list, and index rounds out every volume.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 8 Up-Kaye skillfully weaves together the story of the man and the important historical events that occurred during his lifetime. The writing is lively and unbiased, fairly discussing Paine's disappointments and failures, as well as his successes. Extensive coverage is given to the publication of his pamphlet, Common Sense. The author also describes the circumstances under which Paine came to write Rights of Man, a pamphlet in defense of the French Revolution. Attention is given to Paine's many occupations and his political involvements in France, England, and America, as well as his writings against slavery and those in favor of the rights of women. Good-quality, black-and-white photos and reproductions appear throughout. While similar in scope to Milton Meltzer's Tom Paine (Watts, 1996), this volume's font size and layout make it appear to be for a slightly older audience. A solid addition to biography collections.
Marilyn Long Graham, Lee County Library System, Estero, FL
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Tom Paine was one of the more intriguing figures of the American Revolution. The subject of numerous biographies and fictional accounts (e.g., Howard Fast's 1943 Citizen Tom Paine), he is now the subject of this new volume in the "Oxford Portraits" series. While the series is primarily aimed at high school students, Kaye (history, Univ. of Wisconsin, Green Bay) delivers a crisp and concise biography that will be appreciated by a broad general audience of readers. Although his writing style is occasionally too pared down ("Paine was a friendly and sociable young man"), this deceptively simple book is fast paced and well organized. Kaye appends a short bibliography but does not provide any reference notes. This is a suitable acquisition for high school and public libraries but will not replace major works on Paine such as Eric Foner's Tom Paine and Revolutionary America (1976).
-Thomas A. Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, PA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (April 6, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195116275
• ISBN-13: 978-0195116274
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.8 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,512,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Harvey J. Kaye is the Ben and Joyce Rosenberg Professor of Democracy and Justice Studies and Director of the Center for History and Social Change at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. An award-winning author, Kaye has published fifteen books on history, politics, and ideas, contributed articles and essays to a diverse array of publications, and appeared as a guest on numerous television and radio programs, including "Bill Moyers Journal," "After Words," "Books of Our Time," "Here and Now," and "The Thom Hartmann Show."

Born in New Jersey, Kaye received his B.A. at Rutgers (1971), his M.A. at the University of London (1973), and his Ph.D. at Louisiana State University (1976). His career also includes undergraduate study at the National University of Mexico (1970), a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship (2002-2003), election to PEN (2005), and selection as an Organization of American Historians Distinguished Lecturer (2007-2010). Kaye lives with his wife Lorna in Green Bay, Wisconsin, where they raised two daughters and root for the Packers. He is now writing a new book, The Four Freedoms and the Promise of America.