Tom Paine: Voice of Revolution (Milton Meltzer Biographies Series)

Gr. 9^-12. Having written about Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin, Meltzer now offers a well-researched biography of a lesser-known figure in the American Revolution, Tom Paine. Born in England, apprenticed to learn corset making, and largely self-educated, Paine brought with him to America a sympathy for the poor and a conviction of the need for social, economic, and political change. His writing did not bring him wealth, security, or lasting popular acclaim, yet he will long be remembered for his influential publications, such as Common Sense and The Rights of Man. Meltzer's biography of Paine not only portrays the man and chronicles his eventful life but also sets him in the context of most interesting times in France, in England, and in America. Source note appended. Carolyn Phelan

Grade 9 Up-Anyone who has studied the American Revolution recognizes the name of Tom Paine, author of Common Sense. But other than that discrete bit of information, what do students know of this radical, controversial patriot? Why, for example, did he ultimately turn against George Washington? Why did he spend time in a French prison? Why did he die nearly destitute? In short, lively chapters, Meltzer answers these and many other questions as he weaves the intricate details of Paine's life into the fabric of American and European history. The author succeeds in creating a biography that is replete with the rich details of the man's life as well as conveying the exciting times in which he lived.
Marilyn Makowski, Greenwood High School, SC
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.