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46 Pages
Looks at the effect the publication of Thomas Paine's pamphlet "Common Sense" had on the support for American independence.
176 pages, Hardcover
First published March 18, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
June 26, 2018
When Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense was published in January of 1776, the idea of independence was not popular with the majority of colonists. They believed they were fighting a civil war and would eventually resolve their differences with the mother country. Paine was an Englishman who had only been in America for less than two years, but he was a passionate believer in liberty and the right of all people to be free. He was able to do what other revolutionaries had not been able to do: reach ordinary people with his straightforward language and inspire them to a passion for independence. In his 46 pages, he convinced them that their enemy was not just the Parliament or government ministers but the King himself and that the colonies existed for the welfare of Britain no matter what the cost to them. Paine believed in the exceptionalism of America, that by creating a new form of democratic government, America would be a light to the world. He presented the case for an independent America which would not only be free to govern itself, but would be free to trade with any other country and free from being drawn into Britain's conflicts.
The effect of this pamphlet was made obvious when the people began to demand that their representatives to the Continental Congress declare independence, which did follow less than seven months later on July 4, 1776. Common Sense is now recognized as one of the, if not the most significant and effective political publications in Western history.
The effect of this pamphlet was made obvious when the people began to demand that their representatives to the Continental Congress declare independence, which did follow less than seven months later on July 4, 1776. Common Sense is now recognized as one of the, if not the most significant and effective political publications in Western history.
July 14, 2012
Liell makes a strong case that Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, was the main reason that American colonists changed their minds in January 1776 from the notion of reconciling with King George and the English parliament to breaking the ties with them and asserting independence. What was news to me was the notion that as late as winter 1775, six months after the battles of Lexington and Concord and months after George Washington had organized the Continental Army, the majority of American colonists still thought that reconciliation with England was not only possible but the only rational alternative. Enter Thomas Paine and his 46 page plainly written argument for independence that begins (to my surprise) with old Testament history and an explanation of why ancient Hebrews resisted making their leader a king.
Its good to revisit American history and read the original documents (the 2nd edition of Common Sense is included in this text) because the originals help us understand the ways and reasons our present culture turns the stories into myths and legends. The real story here is that a powerful argument, written for the everyday reader, changed history once and could do it again.
Its good to revisit American history and read the original documents (the 2nd edition of Common Sense is included in this text) because the originals help us understand the ways and reasons our present culture turns the stories into myths and legends. The real story here is that a powerful argument, written for the everyday reader, changed history once and could do it again.
March 31, 2012
An important piece of the story of the American Revolution
Sad to say, this history teacher had never read Thomas Paine's famed pamphlet Common Sense until three days ago. I came across a stand-alone printing of the book and was prepared to buy it when I found 46 Pages.
The entire text of Common Sense (originally just 46 pages long, thus the title) is added as an appendix at the end of the book. I read the original text first and then proceeded to the first part of the book which consists of a short and pleasant combination of a biography of Paine, a history of Common Sense and little snippets of what several founders thought of the pamphlet at its author.
This is a solid addition to any American history buff's collection.
http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
Sad to say, this history teacher had never read Thomas Paine's famed pamphlet Common Sense until three days ago. I came across a stand-alone printing of the book and was prepared to buy it when I found 46 Pages.
The entire text of Common Sense (originally just 46 pages long, thus the title) is added as an appendix at the end of the book. I read the original text first and then proceeded to the first part of the book which consists of a short and pleasant combination of a biography of Paine, a history of Common Sense and little snippets of what several founders thought of the pamphlet at its author.
This is a solid addition to any American history buff's collection.
http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.com/2011/...
October 9, 2007
This was a very thought provoking book. I did find it to be a little bit repetetive in parts. It was only 145 pages but one that took me a while to get though, not a quick read simply because it requires you to concentrate on what is being said. Very enlightening. I am glad i read it and leared more about he importance of "common sense" and it's author in american history.
April 27, 2008
I love the Colonial period, and the work up to the American Revolution. As such, I couldn't get away from 46 Pages, which is just a brilliant book. It gave the backstory to the most influential man in the movement to Independence. A must read for any American looking to understand our own dislike and distrust of any government.
July 26, 2018
The sheer power of the written word. The perfect case study.
January 22, 2020
A solid, and often illuminating, account of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" and the vast influence it had across the American colonies to inspire and spread the cause of Independence. The book shows convincingly how this pamphlet of 46 pages was absolutely crucial to transforming the colonial population-- and thus the Second Continental Congress-- from hopes for reconciliation with Great Britain to an unwavering commitment to independence and self-government.
May 5, 2017
Thomas Paine: a Brit who changed the course of America!
Quotations:
"It was these two qualities--his belief in liberty and his abhorrence of tyranny...and the forceful, direct way in which Paine expressed them, that made Common Sense the single most influential political work in American history...." (16).
Quotations:
"It was these two qualities--his belief in liberty and his abhorrence of tyranny...and the forceful, direct way in which Paine expressed them, that made Common Sense the single most influential political work in American history...." (16).
April 22, 2018
An amazing look at how Thomas Paine’s life experiences shaped his writing of “Common Sense,” and how that, in turn, influenced the move toward American independence. Highly recommended!
March 9, 2021
Most important book ever written. Read it.
May 10, 2012
46 Pages tells the story of Thomas Paine, his experiences in England, how he came to the colonies and the circumstances that led him to write Common Sense. Paine's life in England and even in America are given only a cursory look, as the book is more about the political and societal climate of the time and how it led him to begin writing against the crown. Before Common Sense, few colonists were thinking of independence. They wanted certain issues resolved, but still wanted to remain under the rule of King George. Paine laid everything on the line in Common Sense, arguing that independence was the only answer if they were going to thrive in America. After the pamphlet was published it spread like wildfire and people began to quickly change their minds about the future. Paine had written Common Sense in a manor that anyone could understand, be they educated or uneducated. He took his case to the people that mattered; the citizens who had built the colonies from the ground up.
The book ends with Common Sense itself. I had never read it before and was amazed at the clarity and persuasiveness of Paine's arguments. If I felt that way now, imagine how the people felt in 1776.
The book ends with Common Sense itself. I had never read it before and was amazed at the clarity and persuasiveness of Paine's arguments. If I felt that way now, imagine how the people felt in 1776.
December 31, 2014
Having taught the American Revolution for years, I have to admit I have not read Paine's Common Sense. Unfortunately, I still haven't. I have taught about the pamphlet's impact, but only have fragmentary knowledge of the text, the arguments, or the author. I was hoping this book would fill in some of the gaps. And it does. However, I was disappointed by how this book was organized and developed. While interesting information about Paine, I had no idea he came from Quaker stock, is presented, the author, a member of the Thomas Paine National Historical Association, present a book that seemed at times repetitive or poorly organized. Liell was trying do too much for the limits of the book. The worst case was the concluding chapter which seemed to be moving in one direction, moved away from a logical, chronological development, literally moving Paine from America to France, and then for some reason back to America, picking up where the author previously left off, to no benefit. I spoke to my students about the problem of poor organization in writing, with this being a fine example.
June 9, 2015
This slim effort, barely 100 pages longer than its subject, pegs the value of Common Sense to Paine's identification of an enemy (the King) and an objective (Independence), neither new, but as one contemporary commentator said were as stones in a field waiting for construction into the foundation. Liell also stresses the power of Paine's persuasion to the common people--"Common Sense" as a title playing on the different meanings of the word and the phrase--and its impact on the rush to Declaration on July 4, 1776 when just months before congressional delegations had been tasked with reconciliation with the Father king and Mother country.
The author refers several times to fate or good fortune directing the events surrounding Paine and his pamphlet. Given the number of occurrences of "good fortune" in the founding of our country, others have instead referenced the guiding hand of God directing history.
Well done. Warning: I did find three or four different grammatical errors that rendered sentences incomplete or garbled, which smacks of lazy editing.
The author refers several times to fate or good fortune directing the events surrounding Paine and his pamphlet. Given the number of occurrences of "good fortune" in the founding of our country, others have instead referenced the guiding hand of God directing history.
Well done. Warning: I did find three or four different grammatical errors that rendered sentences incomplete or garbled, which smacks of lazy editing.
August 1, 2008
"I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense . . ."
Ah for the days when a nation could be swayed...when the tide of a war could be turned...when the collective consciousness was shaped...by a pamphlet. Nowadays you have the kids with their Internet and their Google and their Britney and Maroon 5 and Grateful Dead and Generation X, Generation Next, Generation Y, Generation Why?, the Obama fans, the diehard Republicans, Jack Bauer saving the world 24 times, Claire Danes segueing from moody Angela Chase to doomed Juliet to who knows what's next. You got these kids nowadays with their pop-up blockers, their digital convertor boxes because we won't be able to watch TV next year, and their cellular telephones with cameras and text messaging. 2008: Britney's baby sister's havin' a baby. Angelina's having two. Supersize me! 1776: Freedom, Independence, Equality. Thank you Mr. Paine.
Ah for the days when a nation could be swayed...when the tide of a war could be turned...when the collective consciousness was shaped...by a pamphlet. Nowadays you have the kids with their Internet and their Google and their Britney and Maroon 5 and Grateful Dead and Generation X, Generation Next, Generation Y, Generation Why?, the Obama fans, the diehard Republicans, Jack Bauer saving the world 24 times, Claire Danes segueing from moody Angela Chase to doomed Juliet to who knows what's next. You got these kids nowadays with their pop-up blockers, their digital convertor boxes because we won't be able to watch TV next year, and their cellular telephones with cameras and text messaging. 2008: Britney's baby sister's havin' a baby. Angelina's having two. Supersize me! 1776: Freedom, Independence, Equality. Thank you Mr. Paine.
August 14, 2015
An interesting look into the writing of "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine: how the author's upbringing and the colonial political climate helped influence its writing, its reception both in the colonies and abroad, and its long-lasting effect on America's founding. Readers will learn how it was almost luck that the pamphlet was heralded, as many others before Paine ventured forth similar ideas but were resoundly villified. What was it about Paine and his 46 pages that hit a chord with the American colonial people? Liell does a thorough job of finding out.[return][return]This edition includes the full text of "Common Sense" in the appendix -- a fortunate choice for readers who have been, by the end of Liell's text, whipped into a whole new appreciation for the work.
May 29, 2009
I'm constantly wanting to learn more about the men who gave us Freedom. Thomas Paine was definitely an amazing, accomplished man. I'm always in awe over the things our forefathers and other supports of independence did and Thomas Paine is no different. He was the one who allowed many people to wake up and realize what was going on. He gave people the way to think for themselves and to use their common sense. It looks as if history is repeating itself and we're once again becoming a nation of sheep, just like we were before our Independence.
I love this quote, " The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark." Thomas Paine
I love this quote, " The mind once enlightened cannot again become dark." Thomas Paine
January 22, 2009
Easily the most in-depth treatment of Thomas Paine I've come across, yet very accessible. With a greater knowledge and appreciation for the man I now have a much deeper respect for the role Common Sense played in urging independence. It's effect is stunningly understated in any history teachings or readings I've come across. The pamphlet was a mind=boggling bestseller in its day, and it's quite possible that had Paine not written and released it at the very time he did independence may have been postponed--our history assuredly would be different.
December 9, 2012
The wonderful, and mostly unknown, story of Thomas Paine and the impact of Common Sense on the American people in the critical year of 1776. Common Sense was without doubt the spark that started the American Revolution. Aided, naturally, by Bunker Hill, Concord & Lexington, etc., BUT this is the paradigm shift in the minds of the Americans that pushed the writing of the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War in North America. Great and necessary read for every American and, sadly, missing from the high school curriculum everywhere.
March 13, 2013
This is a short, concise, and easy-to-read biography on Thomas Paine and his major accomplishments to the American cause of liberty and independence. The inclusion of "Common Sense" is a bonus because the reader can see just how much, despite its unfamiliarity with many people, it foresaged the Declaration of Independence, as the author correctly asserts. Paine was definitely instrumental in promoting the patriot cause of separation from Great Britain and him being an Englishman himself made his message that much more poignant and indeed genuine.
July 3, 2024
In high school we learned that Thomas Paine wrote a pamphlet called "Common Sense" that helped lead up to the Declaration of Independence. What an understatement. It was the greatest American bestseller in history, and created out of the people of 13 colonies that predominantly wanted to reconcile with England a desire instead to become one nation. This is the story of that pamphlet, its author, and his immeasurable impact. I really can't say enough positive things about this book. But guess what? Common Sense is included as an appendix, and it's readable and persuasive and inspiring today.
July 30, 2013
My advice is read just the 46 pages at the end, the text of the 3rd edition of Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", and skip the first 150 pages of overblown, one-sided, often untrue hyper-patriotic drivel. You won't learn anything new, at least anything you can't easily get from a simple web search. Just read Paine's classic original words, which which speak for themselves.
July 30, 2012
An illuminating, persuasive biography of how Paine's Common Sense and Independence helped create the United States - and change human history. A powerful book that deserves to widely read - and should help restore both Paine and his radical pamphlet to the core curriculum of American history.
March 2, 2013
Thomas Paine a pirate, love it. Excellent narrative of his life and examination of his most important work. Enjoyed the historical context given by the author particularly the research into how contemporaries received Common Sense.
February 18, 2015
This was a great book. If you want to read about how Common Sense really shaped our nation this is the book that will tell you. It's not a biography of the author but it does talk about Paine's life in England and post American Revolution. I will reread this again down the line.
January 31, 2008
A good "lead up" to the events surrounding the Revolution. Learned lots of things I didn't know about public opinion of King George and why the colonists decided to revolt rather than compromise.
August 24, 2008
Why Thomas Paine matters so much to our history.
November 28, 2008
Loved it. Especially interesting because it makes you realize how big of a part Thomas Paine played in the revolution.
March 14, 2009
I loved this book. I have been searching for ways to educate myself on the beginnings of our nation and this little book was a great place to start. Very interesting and informative.
November 8, 2009
If you love to read about the American Revolution you'll find this one extremely interesting.
December 3, 2009
Slightly informative and incessantly repetatitve. The best part of this book was actually having "Common Sense" and annotation at the back of the book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews