"These are the times that try men's souls," begins Thomas Paine's first Crisis paper, the impassioned pamphlet that helped ignite the American Revolution. Published in Philadelphia in January of 1776, Common Sense sold 150,000 copies almost immediately. A powerful piece of propaganda, it attacked the idea of a hereditary monarchy, dismissed the chance for reconciliation with England, and outlined the economic benefits of independence while espousing equality of rights among citizens. Paine fanned a flame that was already burning, but many historians argue that his work unified dissenting voices and persuaded patriots that the American Revolution was not only necessary, but an epochal step in world history.


From AudioFile
Thomas Paine alienated his British countrymen by championing the American and French Revolutions. In fact, he ended up alienating the Americans and French, too--but not before publishing passionate and influential writings that still stir hearts and minds. His pamphlet COMMON SENSE (1776) provided a concise, plain-language rationale for America's break with the mother country. It still makes valuable reading. Narrator George Vafiadis captures the essay's passion and sincerity, but skimps on the meaning. He has so wrapped himself up in an orator's mannerisms that he leaves little room for the sense of COMMON SENSE, aside from marking the punctuation. Y.R. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM OUR EDITORS

"O! ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only tyranny, but the tyrant, stand forth!'' Published by Thomas Paine in 1776, Common Sense was one of the most famous political treatises from the literature of the American Revolution. Passionately brilliant and logical, written in simple language that all could understand, it urged that immediate separation from England was crucial to the freedom of the patriots and a pivotal point in world history. The extensive introduction by Gregory Tietjen describes the background of the American Revolution and the life, career, and ideology of Paine.

ANNOTATION

The extensive introduction describes the background of the American Revolution; the life, career, and ideology of Paine; and the argument of Common Sense.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Enormously popular and widely read pamphlet, first published in January of 1776, clearly and persuasively argues for American separation from Great Britain and paves the way for the Declaration of Independence. Credited with having changed the minds of many, the highly influential landmark document attacks the monarchy, cites the evils of government and combines idealism with practical economic concerns.

SYNOPSIS

Without Thomas Paine, the United States of America would not be the strong and independent country it is today. In 1776 Paine insightfully argued that it would only be a short time before the colonies would break with England. Within the first three months of its publication, Common Sense sold 120,000 copies and became the foundation for American political literature. Paine's vision and quotable slogans defined the United States at its most critical point in history and remains relevant for today's citizens.

FROM THE CRITICS

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