# 81917 - 1989 Thomas Paine Cover
Paine’s Common Sense Published
Common Sense was written by Englishman Thomas Paine, who was born in Thetford, Norfolk, England, on February 9, 1737. Paine worked as a stay-maker (creating the rope stays used on sailing ships), customs and excise officer, tobacco shop owner, and teacher.
In early 1775, Paine began working as editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine. Later that year, he began writing Common Sense, under the working title Plain Truth. Initially, Paine planned to publish his ideas as a series of letters in different Philadelphia newspapers, but it became too large of a project. Unsure of what to do, Paine consulted Benjamin Rush, who suggested he take his pamphlet to published Robert Bell to print. Rush knew that some printers might take issue with the revolutionary ideas, but that Bell wouldn’t give him any issues. In fact, Bell was excited by the pamphlet and published it happily. He also promoted it in several Philadelphia newspapers.
Paine served as a soldier in 1776, and in April 1777, became secretary to the Congressional Committee of Foreign Affairs. He went on to champion liberty and reform in England, which earned him the charge of treason. Paine was departing from the country as the charges were filed and then participated in the French Revolution, which earned him 10 months in prison. Paine returned to the United States in 1802, and died in New Rochelle, New York.
Paine’s Common Sense Published
Common Sense was written by Englishman Thomas Paine, who was born in Thetford, Norfolk, England, on February 9, 1737. Paine worked as a stay-maker (creating the rope stays used on sailing ships), customs and excise officer, tobacco shop owner, and teacher.
In early 1775, Paine began working as editor of the Pennsylvania Magazine. Later that year, he began writing Common Sense, under the working title Plain Truth. Initially, Paine planned to publish his ideas as a series of letters in different Philadelphia newspapers, but it became too large of a project. Unsure of what to do, Paine consulted Benjamin Rush, who suggested he take his pamphlet to published Robert Bell to print. Rush knew that some printers might take issue with the revolutionary ideas, but that Bell wouldn’t give him any issues. In fact, Bell was excited by the pamphlet and published it happily. He also promoted it in several Philadelphia newspapers.
Paine served as a soldier in 1776, and in April 1777, became secretary to the Congressional Committee of Foreign Affairs. He went on to champion liberty and reform in England, which earned him the charge of treason. Paine was departing from the country as the charges were filed and then participated in the French Revolution, which earned him 10 months in prison. Paine returned to the United States in 1802, and died in New Rochelle, New York.