One of Paine's greatest and most widely read works, considered a classic statement of faith in democracy and egalitarianism, defends the early events of the French Revolution, supports social security for workers, public employment for those in need of work, abolition of laws limiting wages, and other social reforms.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine First published in January of 1776, this highly influential landmark document clearly and persuasively argued for American separation from Great Britain and paved the way for the Declaration of Independence.
The Declaration of Independence and Other Great Documents of American History: 1775-1865 by John Grafton Thirteen compelling and influential documents: Henry's "Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death," Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, Washington's First Inaugural Address, The Monroe Doctrine, The Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg Address, more.
Selected Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, John Jay, Bob Blaisdell Almost half of the original 85 brilliant essays, comprising a masterful exposition and defense of the proposed federal system of government and of the Constitution's system of checks and balances.
On the Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau A milestone of political science, Rousseau's 1762 work argues that all government is fundamentally flawed and that modern society is rife with inequality. He proposes an alternative system for the development of self-governing, self-disciplined citizens.
The Essential Thomas Paine by Thomas Paine, John Dos Passos Highlights from the social and political philosopher's best-known works include lengthy selections from Common Sense, The American Crisis, TheRights of Man, and The Age of Reason.
The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine, Moncure Daniel Conway Based on years of study and reflection by the author, this 18th-century work, which was written from the deist point of view, questions Christian beliefs and the role of religion in society.
General Idea of the Revolution in the Nineteenth Century by P.-J. Proudhon Influential 1851 work, the basis for later radical and anarchist theory, posits an ideal society in which frontiers are abolished, national states eliminated, and authority decentralized among communes or locality associations.
