The Rights of Man & Common Sense

5RR Thomas Paine. Dublin 1791 and Philadelphia 1791. Rebound.

Notes

Rights of Man was written by Thomas Paine as a direct response to Edmund Burke’s conservative critique of the French Revolution and quickly became one of the most influential political works of the Enlightenment. In it, Paine argues that rights are natural and inherent, not granted by kings, tradition, or inherited institutions, and that legitimate governments exist solely to protect those rights. He attacks monarchy, aristocracy, and hereditary privilege, proposing instead representative government, social welfare measures, and constitutional reform. The book’s radical ideas electrified reformers across Europe and America while alarming ruling elites; in Britain it was banned, publicly burned, and led to Paine being charged with treason. Historically, Rights of Man helped define modern democratic ideology and remains a foundational text for discussions of human rights and popular sovereignty.

Common Sense is the pamphlet that transformed colonial discontent into an unambiguous call for American independence. Written in plain, forceful language accessible to ordinary people, Paine dismantles the legitimacy of monarchy, ridicules hereditary rule, and argues that separation from Britain is not only justified but inevitable. Unlike earlier political arguments, which were cautious or theoretical, Common Sense spoke directly to the emotions and logic of the public, framing independence as a moral necessity. Its impact was immediate and enormous—selling hundreds of thousands of copies and influencing public opinion, revolutionary leaders, and the momentum toward the Declaration of Independence. Few works in history have so swiftly altered the political course of a nation.

Thomas Paine (1737–1809) was an English-born political writer, philosopher, and revolutionary whose ideas helped shape both the American and French Revolutions. A self-educated radical with little patience for hierarchy or tradition, Paine believed deeply in reason, equality, and the moral responsibility of government to serve the people. His writings combined clarity, passion, and accessibility, making complex political ideas understandable to the masses. Despite his immense influence, Paine died in relative poverty and social isolation, largely due to his outspoken views on religion and politics. Today, he is remembered as one of the most powerful voices for democracy, human rights, and republican government in modern history.

Description 

Deep brown leather rebinding with black label to second and sixth compartment on spine with gilt lettering. Minimal foxing to pages within. Faded public library stamp to title page of Rights of Man and handwritten ‘Dublin 1791’ above printing information. Faded public library stamp also on title page of Common Sense. Fine condition overall.