The Writings of Thomas Paine, Complete

by Thomas Paine

Overview

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) stands among the most influential public intellectuals of the Enlightenment era and the American and French Revolutions. The Writings of Thomas Paine, Complete gathers his major political, philosophical, and polemical works into a single volume, offering readers a panoramic view of his radical contributions to modern republicanism, civil liberties, and human rights. This collection includes his most famous pamphlets—Common Sense, The American Crisis, Rights of Man, The Age of Reason, and various letters, speeches, and lesser-known essays—each showcasing Paine's lucid prose, rhetorical vigor, and unyielding belief in popular sovereignty and reason.

Paine's Common Sense (1776), the pamphlet that arguably galvanized American sentiment toward independence, exemplifies his genius for persuasive argument and political clarity. Written in straightforward English and directed toward the common reader, Common Sense rejects monarchy and hereditary succession, instead championing natural rights and a new republican government based on consent. His call to action is both philosophical and emotional, harnessing Enlightenment ideals and revolutionary fervor to question the legitimacy of British rule and advocate for a radical new political order. It is no exaggeration to claim that this pamphlet reshaped the course of history by empowering colonists with the language and logic of self-determination.

In The American Crisis series (1776–1783), Paine continued his support of the Revolutionary cause through a sequence of essays designed to inspire perseverance amid hardship. The opening line—"These are the times that try men's souls"—became emblematic of the resolve demanded by the war. His writings served both as political commentary and morale-boosting literature for soldiers and citizens alike. With clarity and conviction, Paine defends the revolution as a just and noble struggle, framing it as a universal battle between liberty and tyranny.

Paine's transatlantic influence reached its apex with Rights of Man (1791–1792), written in defense of the French Revolution and in response to Edmund Burke's conservative critique. Here, Paine articulates a full-fledged theory of representative democracy grounded in natural rights, equality, and the social contract. He criticizes aristocracy and inherited privilege, advocates for progressive taxation and welfare, and envisions government as an institution created solely to safeguard individual freedom and societal well-being. Rights of Man expanded Paine's readership and solidified his status as a champion of democratic reform.

Paine's later work, The Age of Reason (1794–1807), marks a shift from political to theological critique. In this controversial text, Paine argues for deism and denounces organized religion, especially institutional Christianity, as corrupt and antithetical to reason. He upholds a belief in a creator accessible through nature and rational inquiry, but he rejects revelation, miracles, and scriptural authority. Though The Age of Reason alienated many of his former admirers, it remains a foundational text in the history of religious skepticism and freethought. Throughout his writings, Paine is distinguished not only by his intellectual daring but by his style—plain, powerful, and passionate. His rhetoric is shaped by an egalitarian ethos: he writes for the common man, not the learned elite, and insists that truth should be accessible to all. His arguments are marked by logical precision, moral earnestness, and an unwavering faith in progress through rational inquiry and collective action.

Paine's minor writings—letters, essays, speeches—further illuminate his principles and struggles. His correspondence reveals a man of integrity and deep emotional investment in the causes he championed. His critiques of slavery, monarchy, and institutional religion, and his support for social welfare, universal suffrage, and international peace, situate him as a pioneering voice for many ideals that would shape modern democratic societies.

Yet Paine's legacy is complex. He was celebrated in revolutionary moments and ostracized afterward, particularly in the United States, where his anti-Christian views made him a pariah. Despite his immense contributions to American independence and modern political thought, he died impoverished and largely forgotten. Only later generations would begin to reclaim his stature as a foundational thinker in the liberal democratic tradition. The Writings of Thomas Paine, Complete presents not merely the thoughts of one man, but a blueprint for revolutionary change grounded in Enlightenment rationalism and moral courage. Paine's work continues to resonate in its defense of liberty, its critique of unjust authority, and its belief in the power of ordinary people to shape their political destiny.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940184314754
Publisher:	Thomas Paine
Publication date:	05/07/2025
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-American political activist, philosopher, and revolutionary who is best known for his influential writings that helped galvanize public support for the American Revolution and, later, the French Revolution. His works, including Common Sense, The American Crisis, and The Rights of Man, played a critical role in shaping the political landscape of the late 18th century and are still regarded as foundational texts in the history of political thought.

Early Life and Background
Paine was born on January 29, 1737, in Thetford, Norfolk, England. His early life was marked by a series of struggles, including the death of his father when Paine was a child, and a lack of formal education. Despite these setbacks, Paine’s intellectual curiosity and drive to understand the world led him to various occupations, including working as a corset maker, teacher, and excise officer. However, his career in England was relatively undistinguished, and he was often dissatisfied with his prospects in the country.

Paine’s journey toward political activism began after he immigrated to the American colonies in 1774. At the time, he was 37 years old and had little wealth or formal political connections. However, he quickly immersed himself in the revolutionary fervor that was sweeping through the colonies. He found work as a journalist, writing for newspapers, and soon became involved in the radical political ideas that were circulating among colonial thinkers.

Contribution to the American Revolution
Paine’s most famous and impactful work is Common Sense, published in 1776, which helped shift public opinion in favor of American independence. The pamphlet was a call to arms against British rule, presenting the case for independence in terms that were accessible to ordinary people. Paine’s forceful critique of monarchy and hereditary rule resonated deeply with colonists who were frustrated by their treatment by the British Crown and sought a new form of self-governance. The pamphlet’s success was remarkable—within weeks, it had sold hundreds of thousands of copies, making it one of the most widely distributed works in colonial America. The American Crisis, which were published during the darkest moments of the Revolution. These writings were intended to inspire American soldiers and civilians alike to continue the struggle against British tyranny.

Editorial Reviews

Paine's plain style masks profound political philosophy. He may have been exiled in death, but his ideas have crept into every democratic institution since.

The Atlantic Monthly, 1892 - N/A