Common Sense

The pamphlet that started a revolution. The book that made a nation possible. The argument that changed the world.

Thomas Paine's Common Sense is the most influential political pamphlet ever written in English—a blazing, clear, and utterly convincing case for American independence.

Before 1776, most American colonists still hoped for reconciliation with Britain. They considered themselves loyal subjects of the king. Paine destroyed that illusion in 47 electrifying pages. He argued that monarchy is absurd ("a fool for a king, a knave for a minister"). He argued that Britain had exploited the colonies, not protected them. He argued that independence was not only necessary but urgent. And he wrote in language that every farmer, shopkeeper, and soldier could understand. The pamphlet sold over 100,000 copies in its first year. George Washington ordered it read to his troops. Within months, the Declaration of Independence was signed.

This is Paine at his most essential: a masterclass in political persuasion, a demolition of inherited authority, and a declaration that ordinary people have the right—and the duty—to govern themselves. Common Sense is short, furious, and unforgettable.

• The best-selling American book of the 18th century, relative to population

• Written in clear, accessible prose specifically for ordinary readers, not elites

• Credited with galvanizing public opinion in favor of independence, paving the way for the Declaration of Independence

Available in multiple formats:

• Paperback & Hardcover: Beautifully designed print editions presenting the complete, unabridged text made to last.

• Ebook: DRM-free EPUB compatible with Kindle, Kobo, Apple Books, and all major e-readers.

• Audiobook: Professionally narrated, complete and unabridged, available on all major audiobook platforms.

A beautifully crafted edition for your shelf, your device, or your ears—or the perfect gift for anyone who believes that common sense is the most radical thing of all.

About the Author

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-born American political activist, philosopher, and revolutionary. Born in Thetford, Norfolk, he emigrated to the American colonies in 1774 with the help of Benjamin Franklin. Common Sense was published in January 1776, when Paine was 39 years old. The pamphlet was an immediate sensation, selling over 100,000 copies in its first year (in a population of just 2.5 million). Despite its enormous influence, Paine made almost no money from it; he waived his royalties to keep the price low. Paine later wrote Rights of Man (1791–92) in defense of the French Revolution and The Age of Reason (1794–95), a critique of organized religion. His later works destroyed his reputation in America, where he was vilified as an atheist and a radical. He died in New York in 1809; only six mourners attended his funeral. His remains were later disinterred and lost. In the 20th century, his reputation was partially restored, and he is now recognized as a crucial figure in the founding of the United States.