Common Sense: And the American Crisis

Marc Notes: Published anonymously in 1776 - the year of the American Declaration of Independence - Paine's 'Common Sense' became an immediate bestseller. More than any other factor, it was this pamphlet which sparked off the movement that established the independence of the United States. Biographical Note: THOMAS PAINE(1737 1809) was one of the most celebrated figures of the American Revolution. His works include"Common Sense," "Rights of Man," and"The Age of Reason." RICHARD BEEMANis John Welsh Centennial Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania. He is editor of the Penguin Civic Classics series and the author of seven books, including"The Penguin Guide to the United States Constitution." He lives in Philadelphia."Review Quotes: "No writer has exceeded Paine in ease and familiarity of style; in perspicuity of expression, happiness of elucidation, and in simple unassuming language." --Thomas JeffersonReview Quotes: No writer has exceeded Paine in ease and familiarity of style; in perspicuity of expression, happiness of elucidation, and in simple unassuming language. Thomas Jefferson"Publisher Marketing: The writings that inspired the American Revolution in an expanded new edition Thomas Paine s"Common Sense"may well be the most influential polemic in all of American history. Published anonymously in 1776, six months before the Declaration of Independence, this incendiary call for Americans to revolt against British rule converted millions to the cause of independence and set out a vision of a just society liberated from the yoke of the crown. Paine s pamphlet was the first to speak directly to a mass audience and his assertive and often caustic style embodied the democratic spirit he advocated. This expanded edition also features Paine s"The American Crisis I," the first in a series of pamphlets aimed at bolstering American morale during the Revolution. An introduction by preeminent constitutional expert Richard Beeman traces Paine s origins and illuminates the significance of these writings. For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust theseries to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-datetranslations by award-winning translators." Review Citations:

Ingram Advance 09/01/2005 pg. 97 (EAN 9780143036258, Paperback)

Library Journal 10/01/2005 pg. 122 (EAN 9780143036258, Paperback)

Wilson Public Library Catalog 01/01/1998 pg. 138 (EAN 9780899665429, Library Binding)

Wilson Public Library Catalog 01/01/1998 pg. 138 (EAN 9780879759186, Paperback)

Kliatt 07/01/2002 pg. 58 (EAN 9781584721147, Analog Audio Cassette)

Wilson Public Library Catalog 01/01/1998 pg. 138 (EAN 9780140390162, Paperback)

Contributor Bio:  Paine, Thomas English-born Thomas Paine left behind hearth and home for adventures on the high seas at nineteen. Upon returning to shore, he became a tax officer, and it was this job that inspired him to write The Case of the Officers of Excise in 1772. Paine then immigrated to Philadelphia, and in 1776 he published Common Sense, a defense of American independence from England. After returning to Europe, Paine wrote his famous Rights of Man as a response to criticism of the French Revolution. He was subsequently labeled as an outlaw, leading him to flee to France where he joined the National Convention. However, in 1793 Paine was imprisoned, and during this time he wrote the first part of The Age of Reason, an anti-church text which would go on to be his most famous work. After his release, Paine returned to America where he passed away in 1809. Contributor Bio:  Beeman, Richard Richard Beeman is professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania.