Common Sense

By: Thomas Paine

Narrated by: Roberto Scarlato

"Common Sense" was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine in 1775-1776 advocating independence from Great Britain to people in the 13 Colonies. Writing in clear and persuasive prose, Paine marshaled moral and political arguments to encourage common people in the Colonies to fight for egalitarian government. It was published anonymously on January 10, 1776, at the beginning of the American Revolution, and became an immediate sensation.

It was sold and distributed widely and read aloud at taverns and meeting places. In proportion to the population of the colonies at that time (2.5 million), it had the largest sale and circulation of any book published in American history. As of 2006, it remains the all-time best-selling American title, and is still in print today.

"Common Sense" made public a persuasive and impassioned case for independence, which before the pamphlet had not yet been given serious intellectual consideration. Paine connected independence with common dissenting Protestant beliefs as a means to present a distinctly American political identity, structuring "Common Sense" as if it were a sermon. Historian Gordon S. Wood described "Common Sense" as "the most incendiary and popular pamphlet of the entire revolutionary era".

Public Domain (P)2019 Flâneur Media

An Important Listen

I love classics and I like books that are important to American history. I cannot say I loved the content but I did find the content interesting. I think it is an important listen/read for all Americans and even others who find history fasinating.

I really did like the narrator and would listen to him again. Very pleasent and smooth voice. If you are deciding on "Common Sense" but don't know which narrator to go with I would highly recommend Roberto Scarlato's version.

I received this audiobook at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Pear into the mindset of revolutionary Americans.

I found Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” to be an interesting and valuable primary source for understanding the generation of the American Revolution. In his work, the “Father of the American Revolution” presents his case for the establishment of an egalitarian government to replace the monarchy and builds a case from Biblical history and nature to denounce hereditary monarchies. Roberto Scarlato presents “Common Sense” in a very pleasant and captivating manner; I thoroughly enjoyed listening to him.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

An Important Listen for Americans

This is a classic book. Thomas Paine created a layout for better government and pushed for the colonist to embrace it. This is an important listen for all Americans. It gives us insight into how our government was created, the checks and balances. However I think Mr Paine would be sadden by how bloated our government has become some few centuries later. However, if you want to know how the US government got it's beginning then you should check out this book. Unfortunately for most, especially government, common sense isn't that common. The narration was nicely done. Roberto Scarlato has a nice and smooth voice. He reads at a nice pace that is easily kept up with.

I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.