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Thomas Paine and the Clarion Call for American Independence

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Thomas Paine and the Clarion Call for American Independence

By: Harlow Giles Unger
Narrated by: Peter Berkrot
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Summary

 From New York Times bestselling author and Founding Fathers' biographer Harlow Giles Unger comes the astonishing biography of the man whose pen set America ablaze, inspiring its revolution, and whose ideas about reason and religion continue to try men's souls.

Thomas Paine's words were like no others in history: they leaped off the page, inspiring readers to change their lives, their governments, their kings, and even their gods. In an age when spoken and written words were the only forms of communication, Paine's aroused men to action like no one else. The most widely read political writer of his generation, he proved to be more than a century ahead of his time, conceiving and demanding unheard-of social reforms that are now integral elements of modern republican societies. Among them were government subsidies for the poor, universal housing and education, pre- and post-natal care for women, and universal social security. An Englishman who emigrated to the American colonies, he formed close friendships with Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison, and his ideas helped shape the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights.
However, the world turned against Paine in his later years. While his earlier works, Common Sense and Rights of Man, attacked the political and social status quo here on earth, The Age of Reason attacked the status quo of the hereafter. Former friends shunned him, and the man America had hailed as the muse of the American Revolution died alone and forgotten.

Packed with action and intrigue, soldiers and spies, politics and perfidy, Unger's Thomas Paine is a much-needed new look at a defining figure.
 18th Century Americas Historical Modern Politicians Politics & Activism Revolution & Founding United States Founding Fathers Royalty Government
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Critic reviews

"Masterful; a great work.... [Unger] successfully captured the essence of Paine and his position in history."—Gary Berton, Thomas Paine National Historical Association
"Unger brings to vivid life familiar historical characters."—Publishers Weekly
"Unger is not only a superior story teller...[and] gifted researcher; he sweeps the reader into the story."—New York Journal of Books
"Unger's [work] is a beacon of vivid, accessible, and thought-provoking biography."—Richmond Times-Dispatch
"A brisk and spirited biography,... passionate...and eloquent"—Wall Street Journal
"A fine biography of one of America's greatest polemicists....vivid, insightful"—Kirkus Reviews
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This is a fantastic book and the narration is outstanding. Paine's contribution to history and free thought is extraordinary. I now understand why Christopher Hitchens admired him so much. Anyone who enjoys Hitchens' work will love this book.

An amazing story beautifully told

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