Thomas Paine and the Promise of America

by Harvey J. Kaye

Book Overview

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was one of the most fascinating figures of the late 18th century. His public antagonist and personal friend John Adams believed that their times would come to be known as the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809093448
• ISBN13: 9780809093441
• Release Date: July 2006
• Publisher: Farrar, Strauss & Giroux-3pl
• Length: 338 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Book

Arrived on time as described

Common Sense Society of Fort Lee NJ

This is a brilliant work that breathes new life into the legacy of Tom Paine and links his writings to our lives as Americans today. We in the Borough of Fort Lee, New Jersey are proud that Paine began to write "The American Crisis" while in Fort Lee as an aide to General Nathaniel Greene. The retreat to victory through New Jersey in November 1776 was one of the darkest periods of the American Revolution. Paine's words in The Crisis inspired this young nation so much so that General Washington had "The Crisis" read by his offcers to his men prior to the crossing of the Delaware. We in Fort Lee are presently forming "The Common Sense Society" to promote the ideals of Tom Paine and to work with the Borough of Fort Lee to erect a statue to Paine in our Monument Park where Paine encamped with the American Army in 1776. This would be only the sixth statue of Paine in the world and the fourth in the United States.

More than a Biography

Although I purchased this book assuming it was a biography of Paine, I discovered it was much more. While the first third of the book is a short, excellent biography, the heart if the book is a study of Paine's influence on American's liberal, progressive, radical movements and even of the Reagan conservative revival. Kaye makes it clear that his sympathies lie with the left and views Reagan's reliance on Paine's words as a highjacking, but despite this bias, the book is an objective analyses of Paine's influence throughout the 230 years of American history. One question, I have often asked is why did the conservative elite of the Colonial Era, who had so much to lose if the Revolution failed, pledge the "their lives, their fortunes and scared honor" to the cause of American Independence? Kaye offers a plausible and logical explanation: the influence of Thomas Paine's pamphlets, most notably "Common Sense.".

A delightful read.

What a great book! It starts out with a nice history of Paine's work during the early years of our Country. Then it follows the influence of his work up to present time. The second part does get tedious at times but the book is still worth reading. Well written, well researched, passionate whether you agree with the interpretation or not. NOT A GOOD BOOK FOR FANS OF CONSERVATIVE TALK RADIO :)

Important book, fine writer, good history

Kaye's biographical narrative of Paine's life, which comprises the first half of this work, is the best currently in print. Past errors and mischaracterizations are corrected and Paine's extraordinary revolutionary career is accurately surveyed in an easily read, well-cited, and very accessible text. The second half of Kaye's work traces the political and social influences of Paine and his "paineite" disciples from the latter half of the 19th century to the present time. Featured prominently are the many activists in women's suffrage, black abolition, labor reform, land reform,and civil rights who have invoked Paine's ideology of democratic reform. From "Red" Emma Goldman to "Far Right" Ronald Reagan, Americans have invoked Paine's name and claimed his legacy. Kaye recounts them all and, in the process, reminds America and the world of Paine's great contributions to the history of individual liberty, justice, and equality.

A scholarly and accessible book.

This book will give you the background you need to really appreciate Paine. Harvey Kaye, the author, is a scholarly writer and can be trusted to share accurate and insightful information. Michael Novak of the American Enterprise Institute interviewed Mr. Kaye on BookTV and interrupted Mr. Kaye repeatedly to state his own views and opinions. Mr. Novak was interruptive and argumentative. I miss Brian Lamb's interviews. Mr. Kaye, the author, was a gentleman throughout the interview. In the end, the work of Thomas Paine should be read by us all.