In 1964, there was political opposition to the erection of Paine’s statue outside King’s House in Thetford, UK which was a gift from the American Thomas Paine Foundation. The controversy led to the foundation of the Thomas Paine Society UK with a goal of promoting a better understanding of the man and his work. The Thomas Paine Society UK became the premier Thomas Paine historical society in the UK. In 2025, the Thomas Paine National Historical Association merged with the Thomas Paine Society UK to form the internationally-focused Thomas Paine Historical Association. This is the archive of the Thomas Paine Society UK Bulletin from 1965 to 2013.
Plato wanted poetry banned in his republic. Like many totalitarian reactionaries he saw poetry as essentially subversive. This book shows the relationship between poetry and three generations of a family which if not subversive were at the very least politically radical.
Thomas Paine is far less well known as a poet. This article seeks to place him in the tradition of English Radical Poetry and compare his work with some of his contemporaries and some of those who came after him.
We thank Paul Myles for the transcript of this important letter, now in the British Library, from the government agent J. Mason, to J.B. Surges. an under secretary for foreign affairs, which demolishes the constantly repeated mantra of Paine having fled the country to escape arrest.
In his book, Professor Jack Fruchtman writes that there is insufficient evidence to answer the question: “It has long been questioned whether Paine was a member of the Masons. There is no definitive proof either way. There is no specific date known on which he joined nor a specific lodge.”
By Kenneth. W. Burchell “This is no more than a say so of Jonathan Steadfast, who says it because it suits him to say it.” An Enemy to Monopolies and Inconsistencies [Thomas Paine], “Jonathan Steadfast and his Book” in the Mercury [Elisha Babcock], 27 September 1804. “As censure is but awkwardly softened by apology, I
By Terry Liddle Two Cocks On The Dunghill, William Cobbett and Henry Hunt: Their Friendship, feuds and fights. Penny Young. Twopenny Press, South Lopham, Norfolk, 2009. 384pp Paperback, ISBN 978-0-9561703-0-9. £17.95 There have been numerous biographies of William Cobbett, but only one of Henry Hunt although Hunt was no less an important and prominent figure
Even today there will be many readers who find radical views unacceptable. But I ask them to reflect that these advocates of change began the struggle for human rights, the freedom of speech, for the Enlightenment, for the inclusive franchise, for universal education and for our parliamentary democracy.
This is an account of the relationship between two men at a crucial time in history. It is set against the backdrop of the aftermath of the French revolution, the wars with France and the fear of a Jacobin-style revolution in England and the demands for reform.
Those studying the reaction by Americans to Thomas Paine’s ideas, and, perhaps, to him as an individual, will find the judicious selection of works reprinted herein of immense value. Of course, there are works that one feels should have been included, but where does this process end, another six volumes?
Separation of state and religion would be another long desired effect. Throwing the bishops in their pretty sleeves out of the House might make it look less cute but it would be a huge step towards getting rid of religious meddling in lawmaking religion.
Paine offended powerful figures that might have been his patrons. He blamed ex-President Washington for failing to rescue him from prison; and he published a series of letters strongly attacking the Federalist party for failing to hold to the democratic principles of the American Revolution.
An Appreciation and Summary of Thomas Paine’s Classic Age of Reason Read Post »
I will make no attempt to comment on any of the contributions, to fully appreciate them, it is sufficient to say they contain much that is of value and it’s good that they have been now been put into print thanks to Dr. Chumbley, a TPS member, who transcribed them.
BOOK REVIEW: Thomas Paine: In Search Of The Common Good Read Post »
