46 Pages: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Turning Point to American Independence, by Scott Liell

Give me Independence

Liell’s 46 Pages tells the story of Thomas Paine, the Englishman who would emigrate to the American colonies and, by expressing his opinion on the subject of independence, change the course of history.

Prior to the publication of Common Sense in early January 1776, there were more Americans who were loyal to England and King George III than there were those who supported becoming an independent nation. With the publication of his then-anonymous pamphlet, Paine’s ideas were quickly spread throughout the colonies and his reasonings caused many to reconsider their views, and the push for American independence quickly grew.

The book is semi-biographical as well, giving a background of what led Paine to America, and what led him to publish his views when he did.

Reviewed by Jennifer Hall, Batesville Public Library

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