The American Crisis: The Writings of Thomas Paine, Volume I

"These are the times that try men's souls." This simple quotation from Founding Father Thomas Paine's The American Crisis not only describes the beginnings of the American Revolution, but also the life of Paine himself. Throughout most of his life, his writings inspired passion, but also brought him great criticism. He communicated the ideas of the Revolution to common farmers as easily as to intellectuals, creating prose that stirred the hearts of the fledgling United States. He had a grand vision for society: he was staunchly anti-slavery, and he was one of the first to advocate a world peace organization and social security for the poor and elderly. But his radical views on religion would destroy his success, and by the end of his life, only a handful of people attended his funeral. Editor's Preface The Crisis No. I The Crisis No. II - To Lord Howe The Crisis No. III The Crisis No. IV The Crisis No. V - To General Sir William Howe - To The Inhabitants Of America The Crisis No. VI - To The Earl Of Carlisle, General Clinton, And William Eden, ESQ., British Commissioners At New York The Crisis No. VII - To The People Of England The Crisis No. VIII - Addressed To The People Of England The Crisis No. IX - The Crisis Extraordinary - On the Subject of Taxation The Crisis No. X - On The King Of England's Speech - To The People Of America The Crisis No. XI - On The Present State Of News - A Supernumerary Crisis (To Sir Guy Carleton.) The Crisis No. XII - To The Earl Of Shelburne The Crisis No. XIII - On The Peace, And The Probable Advantages Thereof A Supernumerary Crisis - (To The People Of America) "Arms discourage and keep the invader and plunderer in awe, and preserve order in the world as well as property... Horrid mischief would ensue were the law-abiding deprived of the use of them." (cover image courtesy of Lize Rixt)