THOMAS PAINE'S RIGHTS OF MAN

Described as "an attempt to marry the ideas of the American and the French Revolutions . . . and to disseminate these ideas in Britain," THE RIGHTS OF MAN is one of the most influential books of political philosophy of the late eighteenth century. Christopher Hitchens, long an admirer of Paine's ideas and writings, looks at the context and content of this great work and its influence around the world. Simon Vance narrates with his usual dulcet tone, and his phlegmatic approach tends to smooth out Hitchens's inherent edginess. Those familiar with the way Hitchens speaks may find this book too tame for their taste, in spite of Vance's fine narration. K.M. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 07/ JAN 08]