Common Sense


Read by Gary Gilberd

(4.5 stars; 259 reviews)

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

(5 stars)

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

(3.5 stars)

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

(5 stars)

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.

impressive work

(5 stars)

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

(4 stars)

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

(5 stars)

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

(5 stars)

An intelligent work by a clear-headed man who could see the issues of his day. Much of the advise here is applicable today.

(5 stars)

this book is an amazing look at America's play for Independence. however the reader of the book leaves much to be desired.