The Age of Reason is a period of time that caused much change in America. Scientists were making discoveries that would lead to new technologies and politicians were inspiring new ways of thinking. Americans began to move away from old superstitions and began relying of reason to find the meaning of life, both scientifically and spiritually. The people of this time trusted in human potential and thus wanted to become independent of the British who ruled over them. Writers of the time would express their thought through newspapers, essays, poems, and song. These writings spread the idea of the Revolution.
Major Themes:
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by
Charming self-portrait covers boyhood, work as a printer, political career, scientific experiments, much more. Its openness, honesty, and readable style have made the "Autobiography" one of the great classics of the genre.
Thomas Jefferson by
“We are not to expect to be translated from despotism to liberty in a featherbed.”—Thomas Jefferson, letter to Marquis de Lafayette, 1790 Thomas Jefferson—author of the Declaration of Independence and third president of the United States—voiced the hopes of a new America with eloquence and passion. Focusing on the personal side of Jefferson, this wonderful collection explores his ideas and legacy through his letters and writings. With subjects ranging from his views on exploration, freedom, and democracy to ruminations on friends, family, books, and gardening,Thomas Jefferson: In His Own Wordsoffers fascinating insight into this great man.
Paine - Collected Writings by
"I know not whether any man in the world", wrote John Adams in 1805, "has had more influence on its inhabitants or affairs for the last thirty years than Tom Paine". The impassioned democratic voice of the Age of Revolution, Paine wrote for his mass audience with vigor, clarity, and "common sense". This is the first major new edition of his work in 50 years, and the most comprehensive single-volume collection of his writings available. Emphasizing Paine's American career, it brings together his best-known works - Common Sense, The American Crisis, Rights of Man, The Age of Reason - along with scores of letters, articles, and pamphlets.
The Federalist Papers by
Originally published anonymously, The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. Still hotly debated, and open to often controversial interpretations, the arguments first presented here by three of America’s greatest patriots and political theorists were created during a critical moment in our nation’s history, providing readers with a running ideological commentary on the crucial issues facing democracy. Today The Federalist Papers are as important and vital a rallying cry for freedom as ever. This edition features the original eighteenth-century text, with James Madison’s fascinating marginal notations, as well as a complete text of the Constitution.
