Common Sense
Thomas Paine
Read by Gary Gilberd





Common Sense, Paine's pro-independence monograph published anonymously on 10 January 1776, spread quickly among literate colonists. Within three months, 120,000 copies are alleged to have been distributed throughout the colonies, which themselves totaled only four million free inhabitants, making it the best-selling work in 18th-century America. Its total sales in both America and Europe reached 500,000 copies. It convinced many colonists, including George Washington and John Adams, to seek redress in political independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain, and argued strongly against any compromise short of independence. (Wikipedia)
(2 hr 2 min)Chapters
Introduction & Preface | 3:30 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Ch. 1 Origin of Government in General | 14:06 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Ch. 2 Monarchy and Hereditary Succession | 22:49 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Ch. 3 Thoughts on the Present State of America pt. 1 | 21:44 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Ch. 3 Thoughts on the Present State of America pt. 2 | 20:38 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Ch. 4 The Present Ability of America | 26:48 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Appendix | 20:43 | Read by Gary Gilberd |
Reviews





Well done. I am very glad to have revisited Thomas Paine's concise pamphlet of arguments for independence. His clarity of thought coupled with his ability to express those arguments logically makes me appreciate the men of the period.
Roots of America





Jonathan
There are powerful statements in this piece. Not enough people understand how America was intended to function. This gives insight into how politics and government works.
Still Relavent





David Schultz
A tome still full of wisdom applicable to today. It also is a good look into the thinking of people at that time, something quite different than is often taught today. It also delivered in easily understandable English with only quotes being in Old English.





Steve Econ
this book is an amazing look at America's play for Independence. however the reader of the book leaves much to be desired.
our schools would be better with this





Ray
This is a great book. I am glad I found it.
impressive work





what amazed me the most is how much of this essay found it's way into the US Constitution. further, he calls for a declaration of indeoendence. he argues in favor of freedom of religion, etc. he says, a house divided against itself cannot stand. hmm.. sounds familiar! now I move on to the books of john locke
Well read, interesting





Timothy Ferguson
Its interesting, for an outsider, to see what one of American's founders thought they were doing, and what its effect would be. The reading is clear.
Brilliant narration of a classic





GE
Excellent narration of an American classic. Common Sense, with its integral part in American Revolutionary history, is a fascinating study,