Thomas Paine - Softcover

Ayer, A. J.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226033392 ISBN 13: 9780226033396

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 1990

Synopsis

"A lively discussion of the life and writings of one of the premier revolutionaries of the eighteenth century. [Ayer's] chapters alternate between the externals of Paine's life and career in England, America, and France and analyses of Common Sense, The Rights of Man, The Age of Reason, other significant but less well known writings, and Paine's anticipations of the welfare state."—History: Reviews of New Books

"[An] exciting book about Paine's life and principles."—Christopher Hitchens, Newsday

About this title

From Library Journal:

Ayer combines a highly readable account of Paine's life, travels, and travails with a critical examination of his political and religious thought. Tracing Paine's life from his birth in England to his emigration to America just before the Revolutionary War, Ayer considers the effect of Paine's pamphlet Common Sense upon that war. Rights of Man is then discussed in light of Burke's attacks upon the French Revolution and the thought of Hobbes, Locke, Hume, and Rousseau. The saga concludes with an account of the acrimony heaped upon Paine for his diatribes against Christian religious beliefs and his espousal of deism in The Age of Reason . A particularly appropriate purchase at this time, when interest in the new administration in Washington may prompt many to reexamine the history of the early days of the Republic.
- Leon H. Brody, U.S. Office of Personnel Management Lib., Washington, D.C.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 1990
• ISBN 10: 0226033392
• ISBN 13: 9780226033396
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 206