Rights of Man (Classics of World Literature)

by Derek Matravers (Introduction), Derek Matravers (Introduction), Tom Griffith (Series Editor), Thomas Paine (Author)

• Used

  Paperback
  1996

  $4.44

  With an Introduction by Derek Matravers. Rights of Man is a classic statement of the belief in humanity's potential to change the world for the better. Published as a reply to Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France, it differs from that great work in every relevant respect. Where Burke uses the language of the governing classes, Paine writes with the vigour of a self-taught mast-maker and exciseman. With passionate and rapier wit, Paine challenges Burke's assertion that society cannot be judged by rational standards and found wanting. Rights of Man contains a fully-costed budget, advocating measures such as free education, old age pensions, welfare benefits and child allowance over 100 years before these things were introduced in Britain. It remains a compelling manifesto for social change.

• Used

  Paperback
  1984

  $4.34

  One of the great classics on democracy, Rights of Man was published in England in 1791 as a vindication of the French Revolution and a critique of the British system of government. In direct, forceful prose, Paine defends popular rights, national independence, revolutionary war, and economic growth - all considered dangerous and even seditious issues. In his introduction Eric Foner presents an overview of Paine's career as political theorist and pamphleteer, and supplies essential background material to Rights of Man. He discusses how Paine created a language of modern politics that brought important issues to the common man and the working classes and assesses the debt owed to Paine by the American and British radical traditions.

• New

  Paperback
  1993

  $13.38

  Offering more detailed explanatory notes than earlier versions, this edition reprints together for the first time all of Paine's introductions to the versions published in his lifetime. In his own richly informed Introduction, Claeys elucidates the historical context and the subsequent influence of Paines text, as well as the major problems in interpreting Paines theory. Instructors will find this new edition a worthy counterpoint to the Hackett edition of Burkes Reflections on the Revolution in France, edited by J. G. A. Pocock.

• New

  Hardcover
  1994

  $15.99

  Though an Englishman by birth, he reacted violently against the political order of eighteenth-century England and in favour of radical reform. RIGHTS OF MAN and COMMON SENSE are the two short books in which he elaborates his political and social theories in vivid, simple prose which can still be read with pleasure and excitement today.