Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern NationsA fresh new look at the Enlightenment intellectual who became the most controversial of America's founding fathers Despite his being a founder of both the United States and the French Republic, the creator of the phrase "United States of America," and the author of Common Sense, Thomas Paine is the least well known of America's founding fathers. This edifying biography by Craig Nelson traces Paine's path from his years as a London mechanic, through his emergence as the voice of revolutionary fervor on two continents, to his final days in the throes of dementia. By acquainting us as never before with this complex and combative genius, Nelson rescues a giant from obscurity-and gives us a fascinating work of history. |
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Page 1
... Finally he and his men arrived at their destination and hurriedly began to dig . Even taking into account that era's Renaissance style of gentlemanly pursuits — exemplified by printer , natural philosopher , essayist , businessman ...
... Finally he and his men arrived at their destination and hurriedly began to dig . Even taking into account that era's Renaissance style of gentlemanly pursuits — exemplified by printer , natural philosopher , essayist , businessman ...
Page 7
... Finally the deteriorating cadaver was fully unearthed , and transferred to a box less un- wieldy than its mahogany casket . Cobbett then decided that he could not live without the headstone , and took that as well . As the local ...
... Finally the deteriorating cadaver was fully unearthed , and transferred to a box less un- wieldy than its mahogany casket . Cobbett then decided that he could not live without the headstone , and took that as well . As the local ...
Page 36
... finally his own teacher , " he said . " I seldom passed five minutes of my life however circumstanced in which I did not ac- quire some knowledge . " Drinking , smoking , and arguing in St. Paul's Coffee - House at the Club of Honest ...
... finally his own teacher , " he said . " I seldom passed five minutes of my life however circumstanced in which I did not ac- quire some knowledge . " Drinking , smoking , and arguing in St. Paul's Coffee - House at the Club of Honest ...
Page 39
... finally excluded me therefrom , upon which hope I humbly presume to entreat your honors to restore me . " On February 29 , 1768 , his petition was granted , and he was posted to the town of Lewes ( pronounced " Lewis " ) , population ...
... finally excluded me therefrom , upon which hope I humbly presume to entreat your honors to restore me . " On February 29 , 1768 , his petition was granted , and he was posted to the town of Lewes ( pronounced " Lewis " ) , population ...
Page 56
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Contents
1 | |
12 | |
Pragmatic Utopians | 51 |
Hell Is Not Easily Conquered | 101 |
The Silas Deane Affair | 126 |
The Missionary Bereft of His Mission | 146 |
Droits de lHomme ou Droits du Seigneur? | 181 |
The Sovereigns Among Us | 235 |
The Religion of Science | 260 |
The Perfidious Mr Morris | 273 |
Utopian Dissolves | 305 |
Provenance | 326 |
Notes | 341 |
Sources | 365 |
Index | 377 |
Other editions - View all
Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations Craig Nelson Limited preview - 2007 |
Thomas Paine: Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations Craig Nelson Limited preview - 2007 |
Common terms and phrases
American appeared army arrived attack became become began believe Benjamin Britain British Burke called cause century citizens civil Cobbett colonial Common Sense Congress considered constitution Convention Conway Deane death England English Enlightenment Europe fact finally force France Franklin French George give hand human hundred ideas immediately included independence inspired James Jefferson John Adams king known later less letter liberty living London March means mind minister monarchy months Morris natural needed never offered original Paine's Paris passed Pennsylvania person Philadelphia Philosophical political present president Press principles printed published Quaker Reason received refused Republic republican Revolution Rights sans-culottes Society Street things Thomas Paine thought thousand tion turn United University Washington whole writing wrote York