Common Sense (Dover Thrift Editions) (Dover Thrift Editions: Political Science)
Product ID: 237643
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Among the most influential authors and reformers of his age, Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was born in England but went on to play an important role in both the American and French Revolutions. In 1774, he emigrated to America where, for a time, he helped to edit the Pennsylvania Magazine. On January 10, 1776, he published his pamphlet Common Sense, a persuasive argument for the colonies' political and economic separation from Britain. Common Sense cites the evils of monarchy, accuses the British government of inflicting economic and social injustices upon the colonies, and points to the absurdity of an island attempting to rule a continent. Credited by George Washington as having changed the minds of many of his countrymen, the document sold over 500,000 copies within a few months. Today, Common Sense remains a landmark document in the struggle for freedom, distinguished not only by Paine's ideas but also by its clear and passionate presentation. Designed to ignite public opinion against autocratic rule, the pamphlet offered a careful balance between imagination and judgment, and appropriate language and expression to fit the subject. It immediately found a receptive audience, heartened Washington's despondent army, and foreshadowed much of the phrasing and substance of the Declaration of Independence. A selection of the Common Core State Standards Initiative. Review: So interesting read - Very nice book Ive wanted to read it for years Review: Must read - This should be required curriculum
| Best Sellers Rank | #49,781 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #28 in Colonialism & Post-Colonialism #36 in Political Philosophy (Books) #129 in Political Commentary & Opinion |
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,613 Reviews |
R**D
So interesting read
Very nice book Ive wanted to read it for years
J**T
Must read
This should be required curriculum
T**Y
Historical, short, to the point, must read for all Americans
The first thing to truly go viral off the printing presses way back in early America. Ideas, ideals of rights, liberty, respect for the commoner, FREEDOM! Should be required reading for high school students as well as the federalist n anti-federalist papers. Instead of curated, propagandized history that amounts to graduates knowing when Columbus sailed the ocean blue and that that John Hancock dude signed his name bigger than everyone else.
V**I
A good primer on early America political thought
It might seem odd to say, but this book has the best criticism of Monarchism that I've ever read. Monarchism is one of those political philosophies that many people do not tend to encounter regularly, so they do not have a good grasp of the arguments against it, on that basis alone this book is worth reading. I think that for any American common sense it is a good book to read as it is a good primer on early America political thought. I have given this 4 stars in lieu of 5 on account of the "appendices". To my understanding the appendices were added in later additions as responses to some criticisms which had arisen. There is nothing wrong with the appendices per se but they are not nearly as punchy or poignant as the rest of the work, I appreciate their including but I think they did bring down the overall polish of the work somewhat.
J**B
Thomas Paine forecast the Declaration of Independence and freedom in America
Thomas Paine wrote two books; The Rights of Man and Common Sense which were the bedrock of the American Nation. It is written in the Declaration of Independence and the U S Constitution. It speaks through the years.
M**S
Awesome book
Awesome book. It is book that should be taught in schools. I highly recommend this book to read and re-read.
P**S
Pretty interesting
This dude is on to something
A**A
History of The United States
I loved this reading because the author clearly describes what were the main reasons that drove the independence of the American colonies from the British monarchy. I recommend it book, because it is easy to understand.
M**G
Five Stars
book is heavy going but glad I read intend to dip into it in future
M**N
The pamphlet that freed America
Pages are okay, still worth reading though. Not really bad actually. :) Cover is great.
P**D
Must read
classical book
M**E
Common Sense
Good Read
R**K
Five Stars
Should be read by everybody
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