The Routledge Guidebook to Paine's Rights of Man

Upon publication in 1791-92, the two parts of Thomas Paines Rights of Man proved to be both immensely popular and highly controversial. An immediate bestseller, it not only defended the French revolution but also challenged current laws, customs, and government. The Routledge Guidebook to Paines Rights of Man provides the first comprehensive and fully contextualized introduction to this foundational text in the history of modern political thought, addressing its central themes, reception, and influence. The Guidebook examines: the history of rights, populism, representative governments, and challenges to monarchy from the 12th through 18th century; Paines arguments against monarchies, mixed governments, war, and state-church establishments; Paines views on constitutions; Paines proposals regarding suffrage, inequality, poverty, and public welfare; Paines revolution in rhetoric and style; the critical reception upon publication and influence through the centuries, as well as Paines relevance today. The Routledge Guidebook to Paines Rights of Man is essential reading for students of eighteenth-century American and British history, politics and philosophy, and anyone approaching Paines work for the first time.