The Age of Reason (Barnes & Noble Library of Essential Reading) - Softcover

Paine, Thomas

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0760778957 ISBN 13: 9780760778951

Publisher: Barnes & Noble Inc, 2006

Synopsis

Thomas Paine's primary object in writing "The Age of Reason" was to call into question the conventional understanding of religion and to undermine the power of the Christian church. As provocative and controversial today as when Paine first wrote it, this incendiary work suggests what is necessary to transform religion into a social force that has its foundation in reason.

About this title

About the Author

English-born Thomas Paine left behind hearth and home for adventures on the high seas at nineteen. Upon returning to shore, he became a tax officer, and it was this job that inspired him to write The Case of the Officers of Excise in 1772. Paine then immigrated to Philadelphia, and in 1776 he published Common Sense, a defense of American independence from England. After returning to Europe, Paine wrote his famous Rights of Man as a response to criticism of the French Revolution. He was subsequently labeled as an outlaw, leading him to flee to France where he joined the National Convention. However, in 1793 Paine was imprisoned, and during this time he wrote the first part of The Age of Reason, an anti-church text which would go on to be his most famous work. After his release, Paine returned to America where he passed away in 1809.

Edition details

• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Inc
• Publication date: 2006
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0760778957
• ISBN 13: 9780760778951
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 256