The Works of Thomas Paine, a Hero of the American Revolution

What it is

This navy blue cloth-bound book is a collected edition of Thomas Paine's major works, including Common Sense, The Rights of Man, The Crisis, and The Age of Reason, along with a biographical account of his life and his letters to George Washington.

Why it matters

This volume brings together the key writings that shaped Paine's reputation as a revolutionary thinker, from his influential pamphlet supporting American independence to his defense of the French Revolution and his controversial religious views. Its inclusion of a biography shows how Paine's life story was told and preserved for later readers.

Look closer

• Why might a publisher collect all these different works into one volume?
• What does it suggest that Paine's letters to George Washington are included alongside his published writings?
• Why do you think this collection calls him a