Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations

Summary

In the tradition of such epic Founding Fathers biographies as David McCullough’s John Adams and Joseph J. Ellis’ Founding Brothers, critically acclaimed author Craig Nelson delivers the story of perhaps America’s most influential early patriot, Thomas Paine.

Adams once told Thomas Jefferson that “history is to ascribe the American Revolution to Thomas Paine.” Every bit as vital as George Washington in the founding of the United States, Paine was an extraordinary man. He authored the three biggest bestsellers of the 18th century in Common Sense, The Age of Reason, and The Rights of Man, and his writings were a powerful influence over countless people. Yet, by the time of his death, he was despised by nearly everyone.