Rights of Man (Classics of World Literature)

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

• Used

  Paperback
  1996

  $3.26

  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
  1969

  $3.26

• New

  Paperback
  1993

  $12.60

  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.