Thomas Paine

A comprehensive study of the social and political thought of Thomas Paine, one of the most important political writers of the modern era and author of "The Rights of Man". This study concentrates on that political tract, and places it in the context of his earlier writings and evolving thoughts. It sets Paine's work against a background of natural law and rights writings, republicanism and radicalism and Paine's Quaker and deist beliefs. The book demonstrates the underlying consistency of Paine's thought, considers at length the British reception of "The Rights of Man" and in its discussion of Paine's ideas presents a new and more sophisticated interpretation of his life, thought and influence.