Common Sense (Annotated)

Common Sense is a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775–76 that inspired men and women in the Thirteen Colonies to declare and fight for independence from Great Britain in the summer of 1776. In clear, concise language it explained the advantages of and the need for immediate independence. It was published anonymously on January 10, 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution and became an immediate sensation. It was sold and distributed widely and read aloud at taverns and meeting places. Washington had it read to all of his troops, which at the time had surrounded the British army in Boston. In proportion to the population of the colonies at that time (2.5 million), it had the largest sale and circulation of any book published in American history.
This edition has been formatted for your reader, with an active table of contents.  It has also been annotated, with extensive additional information about Common Sense and Thomas Paine, including an overview, history, sections, argument, impact, and biographical information.