The Rights of Man

By: Thomas Paine

Narrated by: Bernard Mayes

Length: 10 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Written in the late 18th century as a reply to Edmund Burke’s Reflections on the Revolution in France, Thomas Paine’s Rights of Man is unquestionably one of the great classics on the subject of democracy. A vindication of the French Revolution and a critique of the British system of government, it defended the dignity of the common man in all countries against those who would discard him as one of the “swinish multitude.”

Paine created a language of modern politics that brought important issues to the working classes. Employing direct, vehement prose, Paine defends popular rights, national independence, revolutionary war, and economic growth - all of which were considered, at the time, to be dangerous and even seditious issues. His vast influence is due in large measure to his eloquent literary style, noted for its poignant metaphors, vigor, and rational directness.

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was a pamphleteer, revolutionary, radical, liberal, intellectual, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Born in Great Britain, he emigrated to America at the suggestion of Benjamin Franklin just in time to promote the American Revolution with his pamphlet Common Sense. Later, he was a great influence on the French Revolution. He wrote The Rights of Man as a guide to the ideas of the Enlightenment.

©Public Domain (P)1990 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

“I know not whether any man in the world has had more influence on its inhabitants or affairs for the last 30 years than Tom Paine.” (John Adams, 1805)

“Thomas Paine earned lasting fame as one of history’s most powerful and persuasive writers.…He wrote robust, plain, emotionally intense English that crystallized thought and galvanized into action the common people of America, Great Britain, and France.…His Rights of Man, pleading for natural rights and republican principles, won for him admirers throughout the Western world.” (Masterpieces of World Literature)

Paine is timely, reading is excellent.

Paine is still radical and relevant more than two centuries later. This reading is clear, animated, and appropriate to the content.

great fun

if you like historical snack downs this is gold! Paine's response to Burkes book on the french revolution detailed in this book is awesome.

poor recording quality

I liked the reader but the recording quality was atrocious. Otherwise it was a really nice listen.

Great dissertation

Very great book of historical importance. However the presentation was very dull making it dry and hard to stay focused in.

Essential Reading for Thinking Americans

Absolutely required reading at this point in U.S. history. Thomas Paine shows us where the very foundations of freedom, liberty, and democracy were poured and how powerful one man with his vote really is. .....U need to hear this.... his writing style is bold, highly intelligent, flowing, tongue-in-check, and hilarious at times. He has no regard for monarchs or tyrants whatsoever.

The Rebellion clause saves us all

The people of the United States and the World owe a debt of gratitude for this great man.

I read Burke and Burkians first

Paine was very insightful. I was not impressed by Burkians, they are incrementalists, and would never have founded a new nation. Love that Paine understands the welfare state,
And the need for it. It is not “socialist” it is justice!

A good listen

While most of the book is overall, great, towards the end of the listen, he starts to punish success and it turned me off to it. The audio quality could have also been better.

Paine never disappoints

My second Paine writing, his style and thoughts give you a new appreciation for the 19 century thinkers.

Not Great

The narration was terrible. I had to speed up the reading to listen at all, but still found my attention wandering besides that. I would honestly recommend skipping ahead to chapter 11. Most of the content prior to that felt empty - just a commentary on what a "Mr. Burke" has to say about politics in France. By chapter 11 the focus was on American politics. I thought I would enjoy this book more, though. Maybe one day I'll pick up a paper copy and try again, but this time around I was significantly disappointed.