Naturally this book invites comparison with previous biographical studies, in particular the most recent. It bears out well in relationship to them. What stands out in this new work is its detailed coverage of Paine’s career and his comprehensive treatment of the controversies and issues Paine addressed.
BOOK REVIEW: A Political Biography Of Thomas Paine Read Post »
Thompson’s interpretation underlined Paine’s importance in what was labelled by historians as the ‘Atlantic-Democratic Revolution’. In the 1960s, my undergraduate days, this exercise in comparative history breaking through the constraints of nation state historiography was as fashionable as Thompson’s history from below.
Thomas Paine, the Rights of Man and the Rights of the Freeborn Englishman Read Post »
My conclusion is that the Hustler grandmother referred to by Paine is Frances (or Elizabeth) Hustler, the daughter of Thomas Hustler and granddaughter of Samuel Hustler, both of whom were involved in local politics. It is easy to imagine this familial taste for political affairs having some influence on Paine.
Thomas Paine’s Maternal Grandmother Read Post »
Paine was not wholly a geopolitical writer, not entirely a social philosopher, and not just an author of pamphlets, but that Paine should be credited with innovations and ingenious applications of wrought iron and cantilevered bridging techniques that are worthy of respect, and professional accreditation by constructors, engineers and architects.
Tom Paine, Architect – Engineer & His Iron Bridge Read Post »
