46 Pages
Taylor Bordosky
46 Pages Book Review
Julie Pitt
History 1301-5040
25 February 2014
Scott Liell, 46 Pages: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Turning Point to Independence, ISBN 9780762418138.
Scott Liell’s book 46 pages: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Turning Point to Independence ultimately describes Thomas Paine’s life and showcases the struggles he went through and the outside forces that influenced him to write Common Sense. Liell’s book also expresses the importance of Common Sense, stating that it is the “single most influential political work in American history” (16). Paine was born and raised in England, in which the King and his monarchial rule would have evident influence in his later opinions. Paine also comes to meet some new faces in the new world, some of which become lifelong friends. These new comrades will have significant effect on Paine’s personal and professional life, leading him to write Common Sense in a way no one else could have accomplished. First, Liell gives an important backstory of Paine’s life and where he came from. Thomas Paine was born in England in 1737 to a Quaker father in the small town of Thetford (24-26). His father’s beliefs and values shaped the Paine’s way of thinking. Although Paine never became a practicing Quaker himself, he expressed similar beliefs in the “essential goodness of mankind, as well as a lifelong commitment to public service” (29). This way of thinking can be seen in his writings, as well as other, more rational beliefs he would come to be more familiar with in later life. These different ways of viewing the world gave him a unique style of writing, which allowed people to feel more connected to what he was saying. Another major influence from Paine’s earlier life was his schooling. Although considered a short time by today’s standards, the time he did spend in school opened a whole wealth of information to him that he otherwise would not have had access to.
46 Pages Book Review
Julie Pitt
History 1301-5040
25 February 2014
Scott Liell, 46 Pages: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Turning Point to Independence, ISBN 9780762418138.
Scott Liell’s book 46 pages: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Turning Point to Independence ultimately describes Thomas Paine’s life and showcases the struggles he went through and the outside forces that influenced him to write Common Sense. Liell’s book also expresses the importance of Common Sense, stating that it is the “single most influential political work in American history” (16). Paine was born and raised in England, in which the King and his monarchial rule would have evident influence in his later opinions. Paine also comes to meet some new faces in the new world, some of which become lifelong friends. These new comrades will have significant effect on Paine’s personal and professional life, leading him to write Common Sense in a way no one else could have accomplished. First, Liell gives an important backstory of Paine’s life and where he came from. Thomas Paine was born in England in 1737 to a Quaker father in the small town of Thetford (24-26). His father’s beliefs and values shaped the Paine’s way of thinking. Although Paine never became a practicing Quaker himself, he expressed similar beliefs in the “essential goodness of mankind, as well as a lifelong commitment to public service” (29). This way of thinking can be seen in his writings, as well as other, more rational beliefs he would come to be more familiar with in later life. These different ways of viewing the world gave him a unique style of writing, which allowed people to feel more connected to what he was saying. Another major influence from Paine’s earlier life was his schooling. Although considered a short time by today’s standards, the time he did spend in school opened a whole wealth of information to him that he otherwise would not have had access to.