Thomas Paine - 9780044450900

Taylor & Francis

This book investigates Thomas Paine's social and political thought in both its British and American moments. It examines the ways in which Paine's ideas were understood. The book restores him to the position his contemporaries accorded him, that of an important writer on politics and society. > This book investigates Thomas Paine's social and political thought in both its British and American moments. It examines the ways in which Paine's ideas were understood. The book restores him to the position his contemporaries accorded him, that of an important writer on politics and society. > Acknowledgements -- Chronology -- Introduction The age of Paine -- The problem of Thomas Paine -- British radical traditions, 1688-1789 -- Natural rights and natural law -- The emergence of the reform movement -- 1 'Apostle of liberty': the life of Thomas Paine -- 2 'The cause of all mankind': Paine and the American revolution -- Colonial radicalism, 1765-76 -- Independence sounded: Common Sense (.