Common Sense: and Related Writings (The Bedford Series in History and Culture)
'This is an excellent manuscript that should be a very attractive book for students in American history courses.  Not only does Tom Slaughter do a brilliant job in the introduction in making Paine out to be a very believable, human, though flawed person, but also he does a masterful job in helping the reader understand the process through which Paine became radicalized.  In addition, Slaughter has made an excellent selection of Paine's essays that round out a picture of an intriguing, but lesser know, American revolutionary.' - James Roger Sharp, Syracuse University  'This short volume constitutes the best available edition of Thomas Paine's most important writings during the American Revolutionary era.  Tom Slaughter's superb introduction presents in a clear and lucid fashion much of the information necessary to enable readers to comprehend the writings and life of Tom Paine. By grounding Paine's political ideas in his daily experiences, Slaughter has offered a fresh interpretation of one of the most enigmatic figures in early America.' - Billy G. Smith, Montana State University  'Professor Slaughter's introductory essay does an excellent job of explaining Paine's background, as well as both the intellectual and practical experiences that informed Paine's work.  This book will provide an engaging and effective way for teachers to introduce Thomas Paine and his writings to their students.' - Rebecca Shoemaker, Indiana State University  'Common Sense is one of the seminal documents of the revolutionary era.  Slaughter explains its historical context, shows its relationship to some of Paine's lesser known writings (including pieces on women and slavery), and offers a valuable set of interpretative questions, making the work accessible to a broad student population.' - Rosemarie Zagarri, George Mason University