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Thomas Paine's Rights of Man

A Biography: Books That Changed the World

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Thomas Paine's Rights of Man

By: Christopher Hitchens
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

 Thomas Paine was one of the greatest political propagandists in history. The Rights of Man, first published in 1791, is the key to his reputation. Inspired by his outrage at Edmund Burke's attack on the uprising of the French people, Paine's text is a passionate defense of the rights of man. Paine argued against monarchy and outlined the elements of a successful republic, including public education, pensions, and relief of the poor and unemployed, all financed by income tax.

Since its publication, The Rights of Man has been celebrated, criticized, maligned, and suppressed. But here, commentator Christopher Hitchens, Paine's natural heir, marvels at its forethought and revels in its contentiousness. Above all, he shows how Thomas Paine's Rights of Man forms the philosophical cornerstone of the world's most powerful republic: the United States of America.

Listen to more Books That Changed the World.©2007 Christopher Hitchens (P)2007 Tantor Media Inc. Philosophers Political Science Politicians Politics & Activism Politics & Government Professionals & Academics Biography Taxation

Critic Reviews

"Lucid and fast-moving....As with all Hitchens, well worth reading." ( Kirkus)
"Brilliant portrait....An attractive introduction to Paine's life and work as a whole....Hitchens remains a great writer, and a thinker of depth, range, and vigour." ( Prospect)
All stars
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While Hitchens is always brilliant, it was sometimes difficult to determine where quotes began/ended and Hitchens stopped/started.

As such, I plan to listen through again, now that I know the general layout of the book.

Not a chore though, as the erudition and prose of Hitchens always dazzles.

Hitchens is always brilliant

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not enough explanation of his work. Hitchenes expects you to have already read thomas pain complete works.

meh

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