Common Sense

Published in January of 1776, Thomas Paine's fiery defense for independence came at just the right moment to turn the tide of American opinion towards freedom and liberty. Some sought to answer Paine, but "so rapid was the change of opinion" thanks to Paine's arguments, that America's leaders not only could not oppose him, but realized it was better to ride the wave of patriotism that Paine had facilitated by distributing his pamphlet far and wide. George Washington would later read some of Paine's works to the soldiers of the revolution, and Paine would later dedicate his own works to the first president. And yet, though nearly all know the name Thomas Paine and are aware of his book, "Common Sense," few have read it for themselves. This book provides you the opportunity to do just that.