The Essential Works of Thomas Paine (eBook)

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, political theorist, and revolutionary. He is most famous for his influential pamphlets at the start of the American Revolution, particularly 'Common Sense' (1776) and 'The American Crisis' (1776-1783), which urged the American colonies to seek independence from Great Britain. Paine's writing is distinguished by its clear, compelling, and persuasive prose that was accessible to the common citizen, helping to shape the ideological framework for American independence. 'The Essential Works of Thomas Paine' gathers his most significant works, encompassing his thoughts on democracy, equality, and individual rights that have deeply impacted the development of liberal political thought. Notably, Paine also authored 'The Rights of Man' (1791-1792) in defense of the French Revolution, and 'The Age of Reason' (1794-1796), which advocated for deism and criticized institutionalized religion. Paine's works remain enduring testimonials to his belief in the inherent rights of mankind and his unwavering advocacy for political freedom and social justice. Following his ideas set forth in these publications, Paine's literary style is characterized by its forthright nature, rhetorical power, and use of common language to appeal to a broad audience, imbuing his works with a timeless quality that continues to resonate in today's discourse on civil liberties and governance.