Thomas Paine-A Brief History of the Times That Tried Men's Souls

At the beginning of 1776, and then at the end, Thomas Paine published two highly influential pamphlets that form perfect bookends to that revolutionary year of American history. In January, Common Sense urged Americans to throw off their attachments to Great Britain,

declare their independence, and form a government of their own. Then in December, The American Crisis No. 1 urged Americans to rise up during a desperate and dark time of the Revolutionary War to rededicate themselves to winning the war and achieving the Independence they had declared just six months before. 

This small book is about Paine's role and writings during 1776, how he inspired Americans by offering ideas to help them found a new nation, and how he and George Washington built a productive partnership - one a man with his sword and the other a pen - to finish the year with a surprising American victory the day after Christmas. The book probes some long-told stories and myths about the role Paine played during the Crossing of the Delaware and tries to set the record straight. In an appendix, excerpts of Common Sense and Crisis 1 are included in this brief history of the times that tried men's souls.

Excerpts of Common Sense and Crisis 1 are included.