Author
Thomas Paine
1737-1809
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Thomas Paine
Common Sense
"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine is a pamphlet published in January 1776 advocating independence from Great Britain for the Thirteen Colonies. Written in clear, persuasive prose, Paine presents moral and political arguments to encourage common people to fight for egalitarian government. Published anonymously at the American Revolution's beginning, it became an immediate sensation—the best-selling American title of all time. Paine connected independence with Protestant beliefs and structured his work like a sermon, making the first serious case for full independence when reconciliation still dominated colonial thinking.
The Writings of Thomas Paine, Complete With Index to Volumes I - IV
"The Writings of Thomas Paine, Complete" by Thomas Paine is a historical collection of political writings compiled in the late 18th century. The volume includes influential pamphlets that played a pivotal role in shaping American revolutionary sentiment, particularly focusing on issues of independence and the fight against tyranny. The collected works provide profound insights into the social and political climate of the time, highlighting the struggle for freedom and democratic ideals. The opening of this work lays the groundwork for Paine's monumental series, "The American Crisis," which begins with a stirring call to action amidst the Revolutionary War. He reflects on the challenges facing American patriots, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and unity against oppression. The famous opening lines address the trials of these tumultuous times and encourage individuals to stand firm in their commitment to liberty, while also critiquing those who waver in their loyalty. Through vivid imagery and passionate prose, the initial segments set a tone of urgency and resolve, making it clear that the fight for independence is both a personal and collective responsibility.
The Writings of Thomas Paine — Volume 1 (1774-1779): The American Crisis
"The Writings of Thomas Paine — Volume 1 (1774-1779): The American Crisis" by Paine is a historical account compiled during the late 19th century. This collection encapsulates a series of significant essays that played a crucial role in the American Revolution, addressing various aspects of the war for independence. The main focus of this volume is the passionate call for courage and resilience among Americans facing British tyranny, emphasizing the importance of unity and steadfastness in the pursuit of freedom. The opening of this volume introduces readers to the first essay of "The American Crisis," marked by Paine's famous line, "These are the times that try men's souls." He reflects on the struggles faced by Washington's troops during the retreat across the Delaware and urges his fellow countrymen not to waver in the face of adversity. Paine critiques those who would shy away from the fight for freedom, contrasting them with those who willingly embrace the struggle for their rights against oppression. He sets the stage for a stirring and motivational narrative, highlighting the need for every American to contribute to the cause, as the country grapples with the wartime challenges that could shape its future.
The Writings of Thomas Paine — Volume 2 (1779-1792): The Rights of Man
"The Rights of Man" by Thomas Paine is a political work published in two parts in 1791 and 1792. Written in defense of the French Revolution against Edmund Burke's conservative attack, it argues that governments exist solely to protect natural human rights and that revolution is justified when they fail this purpose. Paine challenges hereditary monarchy and aristocracy, proposing radical reforms including a written constitution, elimination of noble titles, progressive taxation, and subsidized education for the poor. The book sold an estimated one million copies and inspired reformers across Britain.
The Writings of Thomas Paine — Volume 4 (1794-1796): The Age of Reason
"The Age of Reason" by Thomas Paine is a deistic work published in three parts between 1794 and 1807. Paine challenges institutionalized religion and the Bible's legitimacy, arguing for reason over revelation and rejecting miracles as divine proof. He advocates for natural religion and belief in a creator god while criticizing what he saw as the Christian Church's corruption and political ambitions. Written in an engaging, irreverent style, Paine made deistic arguments accessible to ordinary readers, sparking both revival and fierce controversy across America and Britain.
The Writings Of Thomas Paine, Volume III. 1791-1804
"The Writings of Thomas Paine, Volume III" by Thomas Paine is a historical collection of political writings created in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This volume encompasses works advocating for republicanism and critiquing monarchy, illustrating Paine's fervent interpretation of democracy and human rights during a transformative period of political upheaval in both America and France. The likely topics include proclamations for republican governance, letters addressing political figures, and essays on the rights of man, reflecting Paine's significant influence on revolutionary thought. At the start of the volume, the introduction highlights the context in which Paine's works were created, particularly his collaborations and relationships with notable figures during the French Revolution. It reveals that the initial sections include his "Republican Proclamation," which argues against the necessity of monarchy and emphasizes the burdensome nature of kingship on society. Paine articulately contends that the absence of a king is preferable and underscores the importance of establishing a republic as a foundation for a just society. Alongside this, the opening introduces his correspondence with various political figures, indicating his active role in the social and political reforms of his time, and sets the tone for the crucial discussions on governance and the rights of individuals that follow in the subsequent essays.
A Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal, on the Affairs of North America, in Which the Mistakes in the Abbe's Account of the Revolution of America Are Corrected and Cleared Up
"A Letter Addressed to the Abbe Raynal, on the Affairs of North America" by Thomas Paine is a historical account written in the late 18th century. This work serves as a response to the Abbe Raynal’s commentary on the American Revolution, aiming to correct perceived inaccuracies in his portrayal. Paine critiques both the misunderstandings and misinterpretations of American sentiments and actions during this pivotal time in history. The opening of the text outlines Paine’s motivations for addressing the Abbe Raynal, emphasizing the need for historical accuracy in the context of the American Revolution. Paine argues that the Abbe has misconstrued the causes and nature of the conflict between America and Britain, claiming that essential factors leading to the revolution were either misrepresented or ignored. He asserts the importance of understanding the genuine grievances of the American colonies and critiques the Abbe's historical narrative as overly simplistic and partially erroneous. Throughout the initial passages, Paine sets a combative yet enlightening tone, indicating a strong desire to establish a truthful account of the burgeoning American identity and independence.