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Lot 186
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"Common Sense & The Plain Truth", Scarce 1776 First British Edition, Thomas Paine
"Common Sense & The Plain Truth", Scarce 1776 First British Edition, Thomas Paine
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Paine Thomas

"Common Sense & The Plain Truth", Scarce 1776 First British Edition, Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine. Printed pamphlet, "Common Sense", First British edition, first issue: 5.75" x 9", 54pp, London, 3. Almon, 1776  (pp 1-54). Pamphlet is lacking first signature including title page, blank, half-title, and introduction (pp. i-iv), however the all the pages of the pamphlet are present beginning with page 1. Stitched with, as issued: [James Chalmers] pp i-iv and pp 1-37. "Plain Truth: Addressed to the Inhabitants of America. Containing Remarks on a late Pamphlet, Intitled Common Sense: Wherein are shewn, that the Scheme of Independence is ruinous, delusive, and impracticable...Written by Candidus. Gimbel CS-210. Includes Rationalis and Extract from the Second Letter to the People of  Pennsylvania; being that Part of it which relates to Independency, pp 38-44. Along with first signature missing pages, there is slight scattered toning and damp staining, edge and corner wear to pages, and some light page rippling, otherwise very good condition.

Rare first 1776 London edition of Paine's "Common Sense", printed within months of the first American edition, with the rare first 1776 London edition of "The Plain Truth". Unlike American editions, Almon censored portions of the text in this British version by simply leaving blank spaces in the typesetting where the objectionable words had been. Historians have spent much time studying the impact of "Common Sense" on the American consciousness in the days leading up to revolution. However, the thoughts and reactions of British readers have received less attention. This text offers insights into what readers in England thought of this provocative tract.

In 1776, writer Thomas Paine published his pamphlet “Common Sense,” setting forth his arguments in favor of American independence. Although little used today, pamphlets were an important medium for the spread of ideas in the 16th through 19th centuries. Originally published anonymously, “Common Sense” advocated independence for the American colonies from Britain and is considered one of the most influential pamphlets in American history. Credited with uniting average citizens and political leaders behind the idea of independence, “Common Sense” played a remarkable role in transforming a colonial squabble into the American Revolution. At the time Paine wrote “Common Sense,” most colonists considered themselves to be aggrieved Britons. Paine fundamentally changed the tenor of colonists’ argument with the crown when he wrote the following: “Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of Europe. Hither they have fled, not from the tender embraces of the mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their descendants still.”

All 1776 editions of "Common Sense" are rare and desirable and are increasingly difficult to obtain. Very few are in private hands in any condition. The only similar example currently available on the market today lists close to $60,000 (albeit unlike the copy offered here, the other copy is decoratively rebound, and complete with half titles present, and a rare early printing of John Quincy Adams' response to Paine's "Rights of Man"). However other very early printings (circa 1776 such as this copy) have sold at auction in the $40,000 and up range.

"By far the most influential tract of the American Revolution..., it remains one of the most brilliant pamphlets ever written in the English language (Covenanted People, 27). John Adams asserted "without the pen of the author of 'Common Sense', the sword of Washington would have been raised in vain."

The 1776 American editions of "Common Sense" ignited the drive for independence and led directly to the ratification of the Declaration of Independence; the British editions greatly affected public opinion in England, drawing many to support the American cause. "Common Sense" made history as "the most discussed and most widely circulated pamphlet in America" (Gimbel, 49). "It would be difficult to name any human composition which has had an effect at once so instant, so extended and so lasting... 'Common Sense' turned thousands to independence who before could not endure the thought. It worked nothing short of miracles and turned Tories into Whigs" (Trevelyan, History). There were four London editions of "Common Sense" printed by John Almon in 1776: issued in two forms-with James Chalmers's "Plain Truth", both with and without a half title.

An important and rare printing of a very desirable pamphlet.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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