American Revolution Collection: Common Sense, The American Crisis, & Other Works

American Revolution Collection: Common Sense, The American Crisis, & Other Works

“THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.” -- Thomas Paine, The American Crisis In one volume, a collection of Thomas Paine 's most influential and significant writings pertaining to American Independence and the Revolution. Included in this volume are his classic treatises Common Sense and The American Crisis , as well as additional selected pamphlets and letters. Common Sense and the The American Crisis were remarkable works of clear and persuasive prose that immediately dazzled the American public, building the case not just for American independence for the establishment of a new, radically democratic form of government. Paine's works were among the most incendiary and popular pamphlets ever written and literally changed the world, and remain inspiring, thought-provoking, and challenging to readers today. Paine's works are essential additions to the library of any lover of liberty and enthusiasts of American history and politics. Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-born revolutionary philosopher, political theorist, and author who is best remembered for his highly influential writings, such as Common Sense and The Rights of Man . Born in Thetford, England, Paine was apprenticed to his father, a stay-maker, before relocating to London where he found work as a corset-maker. After immigrating to Colonial America in 1774, Paine quickly became involved in revolutionary politics. He wrote Common Sense in 1776, a highly influential pamphlet that made a powerful case for American independence from Great Britain. His other works, such as The Rights of Man , cemented his reputation as one of the most important revolutionary thinkers of the period. In addition to his political writing, Paine also wrote on a variety of other topics, including religion, science, and economics. He was an advocate for the abolition of slavery and a proponent of social reform. He ardently defended the principles of democracy, arguing in favor of a strong and representative government. He was also an ardent critic of government, and his writings were often critical of the ruling classes of the day. In addition to his revolutionary writings, Paine also made important contributions to the development of the sciences. He wrote extensively on geology, chemistry, and physics. His works on these topics helped to further the development of the scientific revolution of the 18th century. Paine's influence extended far beyond the American Revolution, and his works were widely read in Europe and beyond. His writings were highly influential in the French Revolution and in the development of many of the constitutional principles adopted by the United States. Throughout his life, Thomas Paine was a passionate advocate for freedom, democracy, and social justice. His writings helped to shape the political landscape of the late 18th and early 19th centuries and remain an important source of inspiration for modern-day activists.