Common Sense

AOG Annotated Study Edition

By: Thomas Paine

Narrated by: C.J. McAllister

Without Thomas Paine's Common Sense, the United States may never have even attempted to win independence from Great Britain. This short, passionate book is credited with fanning the flames of revolution in its day; but beyond that, its unique view of the role of government and of the relationship between government and citizens — and how those factors apply to modern life — are still studied by students of political science to this day. This edition includes the full, unabridged text of Common Sense. In addition, it includes clear, yet extensive study tools and discussion questions to help listeners more easily understand this classic text.

©2017 James Barnes (P)2017 James Barnes

Classic Political Philosophy

I received a review copy of this audiobook.

I’ve been meaning to read Common Sense for years. After discovering the theological and scriptural arguments involved, I’m surprised and a little upset it wasn’t required reading for my political philosophy class at a Christian college.

I don’t immediately agree with all of Paine’s assertions, but it was thought provoking at times. Many of his points were outside my expertise to fact-check and irrelevant to modern consideration, as the dealt explicitly with why the time was right then to sever ties to Britain.

The narrator was good but not great. He neither added to nor detracted from the text.

This edition includes a series of discussion questions after each chapter, which I found especially helpful.

Excellent version, well done

This is an excellent version of the text that, more than any other, helped catalyze our country's war of independence from Britain. The pamphlet itself should be required reading by anyone who presumes to speak about US history, the role of government, or liberty, even in modern times. This version specifically has nice narration at a good pace. You cannot go wrong with it.

I received this book for free at my request from the author, publisher or narrator and have voluntarily left this review.

Great History

I really enjoyed reading and listening to this book. Thomas Paine was one of our founding Father's and a great American of his time and still today. I don't think the schools are teaching our kids enough about our history. When I was growing up in the 60's and 70's we were taught all about American history and the founding of our country. So if you know about our history of this time, this would be a good refresher and if not, read or listen to Thomas Paine and other great Americans. C.J. McAllister did a fine job narrating.

Should be Required Reading for Americans

Would you listen to Common Sense again? Why?

This is the kind of thing that you are forced to read in high school, but would actually find it interesting when you're older and you have some perspective. I really enjoyed this and was engaged throughout.

What does C.J. McAllister bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The writing style is hundreds of years old, so it's understandably "stuffy". The narrator helps bridge that gap and keeps you engaged.

Important document

Poorly narrated, but content helped ignite both American and French Revolutions. Highly recommend different version, with different narrator. But it was only $2.00z

Questions between chapters help lots

Thomas Paine's Common Sense was a short pamphlet put out just before the US War of Independence, and was a major discussion piece around the appropriateness of British rule. Read in pubs and town halls it was heavily circulated and the basis for many conversations around independence. The work is short and dense.

This version takes the original text and then at regular points adds reflective questions. 'What do you think Paine meant by this?' or 'Is this statement still applicable with modern technology'?. These questions help the modern reader get the most out of the book, by pointing them to key components and prompting them for thoughts on the passages. It suits the style and history of the text, which was about prompting discussion

Narrated by C.J. McAllister is good. It is well paced, easy to understand and free from any audio issues or annoyances.The question sections are separated out enough that they don't get lost in the text. I feel MCAllister slowed down slightly through them, further separating them out, plus giving some extra time for thought.

I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.

Thought provoking

This book provides a thought provoking insight into the thinking of Thomas Paine and the life of Americans before and during the fight for independence. The older style of English the essay is written in helps give it a sense of history and I like that the essay has not be modernized.

This is a book that everyone should read.

The narrator did a great job with delivering the essay in a strong flowing style, it's enjoyable to listen to.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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Great History Lessons

I love reading and learning about early American history. Thomas Paine was one of our founding fathers and he inspired a lot of people before the American Revolution so the we could get our freedom from Great Britain. The narrating by C.J. McAllister was well done. Recommended for anyone who is interested in our American History or for those who would like to learn more about it.