The radical pamphlet that helped incite the American Revolution
Penguin presents a series of six portable, accessible, and-above all-essential reads from American political history, selected by leading scholars. Series editor Richard Beeman, author ofThe Penguin Guide to the U.S. Constitution, draws together the great texts of American civic life to create a timely and informative mini-library of perennially vital issues. Whether readers are encountering these classic writings for the first time, or brushing up in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, these slim volumes will serve as a powerful and illuminating resource for scholars, students, and civic-minded citizens.
Common Sense is the book that created the modern United States, as Paine's 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. Published anonymously in 1776, six months before the Declaration of Independence,Common Sensewas a radical and impassioned call for America to free itself and set up an independent republican government. Savagely attacking hereditary kingship and aristocratic institutions, Paine urged a new beginning for his adopted country in which personal freedom and social equality would be upheld and economic and cultural progress encouraged. His pamphlet was the first to speak directly to a mass audience-it went through fifty-six editions within a year of publication-and its assertive and often caustic style embodied the democratic spirit he advocated.
The radical pamphlet that helped incite the American Revolution
Penguin presents a series of six portable, accessible, and-above all-essential reads from American political history, selected by leading scholars. Series editor Richard Beeman, author ofThe Penguin Guide to the U.S. Constitution, draws together the great texts of American civic life to create a timely and informative mini-library of perennially vital issues. Whether readers are encountering these classic writings for the first time, or brushing up in anticipation of the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act, these slim volumes will serve as a powerful and illuminating resource for scholars, students, and civic-minded citizens.
Common Sense is the book that created the modern United States, as Paine's 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. Published anonymously in 1776, six months before the Declaration of Independence,Common Sensewas a radical and impassioned call for America to free itself and set up an independent republican government. Savagely attacking hereditary kingship and aristocratic institutions, Paine urged a new beginning for his adopted country in which personal freedom and social equality would be upheld and economic and cultural progress encouraged. His pamphlet was the first to speak directly to a mass audience-it went through fifty-six editions within a year of publication-and its assertive and often caustic style embodied the democratic spirit he advocated.
By:
Thomas Paine Introduction by:
Richard Beeman Edited by:
Richard Beeman Imprint: Penguin Country of Publication: United States Dimensions:
Height: 188mm,
Width: 109mm,
Spine: 10mm
Weight: 113g ISBN:9780143122005 ISBN 10: 0143122002 Series:Penguin Civic Classics Pages: 160 Publication Date:24 October 2012 Recommended Age: From 18 years Audience:
General/trade
,
ELT Advanced
Format:Paperback Publisher's Status: Active
Reviews for Common Sense
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