WDA Classics Presents Common Sense

By: Thomas Paine

Narrated by: W. B. Ward

Length: 2 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Written in 1776, this call to arms for the battle of Independence rings with true common sense as it did the day it was written. Offered here for a historical perspective, it makes for great listening and a reflection for contemporary times.

Public Domain (P)2016 W. B. Ward

A Voice for Liberty

Thomas Paine's historic toil to assure a well-informed electorate has never been more prescient. W.B. Ward's crisp, well-paced narration champions limited government with a fresh voice to once again herald American Liberty.

Common Sense Still Applies

Thomas Paine wrote this pamphlet 6 months before the Declaration of Independence.It sold 150,000 copies in the first year, along with standing room only readings to the public. Amazing, until you hear what he said! Over 200 years since, it is still relevant and resonates today.To think that his words have survived to give us insight into our Country's fight for freedom is extraordinary. I so loved the historical element, and the narration by W. B. Ward. His projection and intonation throughout made me feel as if I were hearing Thomas Paine himself, of which I'm sure he would have been proud!

A Great Piece of History

This audiobook was a great piece of history. From the comments at the end of the book, I can fully understand why some of our founding fathers didn't agree with this. It was before we won the Revolutionary War. We were on shaky ground not knowing how we were going to manage our lives or if we were going to make it. I do hope this short book made it back to King George since he was basically "told off."

W.B. Ward gives the book the treatment the book deserves. His voice and inflections are perfect for it.

I really recommend this book for your audiobook library!

Made Sense

Gives great insight into the mindset of the revolutionists at that time. Would recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about that time period

Masterfully read

Common sense is a pamphlet written in the time the United States was in the midst of trying to decide on whether to rebel against England and become our own nation. Mr. Paine presents a well thought out, logical breakdown, of the reasons why rebellion is the only option. It's a great study on how to argue a case intellectually (which is opposite of most arguments on social media or that current politicians use). It's a piece that is timely because it deals with subjects that have once again arisen and should be addressed by the people of the United States. I did disagree with some of the points made, especially about Native Americans, slaves, and the right to take land. However, overall it is a solid and timely article. W.B Ward, the narrator, did a fabulous job of working out the pronunciation of old American English words and was masterful in using voice inflection to make it feel as if you were in a tavern listening to the pamphlet being read for the first time. This is what makes this a powerful piece for anyone to listen to.

Common Sense

This book narrator W.B.Ward, was so exciting to listen to, his voice is amazingly smooth, so easy to listen to, makes the story come alive. I would give him 20+ on every rating if possible. Thankful for the privilege to listen and learn much interesting trivia.