“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” — Thomas Paine

Published to commemorate the bicentennial of Thomas Paine’s death, these texts have remained two of the most influential arguments for liberty in political thought. Common Sense is a pamphlet that Paine wrote in support of American independence. Due to its original and simple style it spread like wildfire through the colonies, inspiring the American Revolution. The Rights of Man is Paine’s passionate defense of the French Revolution that led to his trial for sedition and libel.

“With a stirring essay by Peter Linebaugh, this edition of Paine’s peerless defences of revolution — and attacks on patronage and corruption — should be compulsory reading for every MP.” — Boyd Tonkin, The Independent

The acclaimed historian Peter Linebaugh provides an original examination of Paine”s thought and legacy.