1776: Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine would become known as the Father of the American Revolution.

All because of his world-changing book: 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine, 1776

Every so often a book comes along that changes the world in some way. Maybe it heralds the start of a new social movement, or enlightens the world about events long hidden. Only in hindsight can we see what a difference such a book made. Here is one such book.

Paine's book — a pamphlet, actually — was a blockbuster best-seller, calling for America to break away from Great Britain, to demand their independence because "it was just common sense."

At its best, 'Common Sense' is so powerful and immediate that it draws you back into 18th century America. Back into the shops, the homes and the taverns where these words were first being read. You can almost smell the wood smoke, hear the cry of your fellow countrymen and you can feel an unmistakable shiver rolling under your skin - it feels a lot like Revolution.

"We have it in our power to begin the world over again."

Thomas Paine

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