Common Sense

by Thomas Paine

Published in 1776, Common Sense challenged the authority of the British government and the royal monarchy. The plain language that Paine used spoke to the common people of America and was the first work to openly ask for independence from Great Britain.

Introduction to the Third Edition
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General, with Concise Remarks on the English Constitution
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession
Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs
Of the Present Ability of America: with some Miscellaneous Reflections
Appendix to the Third Edition