THOMAS PAINE Enlightenment, Revolution, and the Birth of Modern Nations

Elementary and secondary school American history courses mention Thomas Paine and his role in the American, French (he could have lost his head many times), and stillborn English Revolutions, but with little depth. This book provides a good look at the man, who was a brilliant, incisive, and principled writer, his most famous work being " Common Sense." Narrator Paul Hecht approaches the production as if in conversation with listeners--one expects him to call us his " dear listeners" at any moment--sharing with us the personality and accomplishments of a misunderstood grandfather. Hecht's deep, deliberate, carefully modulated, and somberly expressive voice glides through this well-written biography. D.R.W. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: JUN/ JUL 07]