Paine’s incendiary pamphlet against British rule converted millions of Americans to the cause of independence when it was first published anonymously in 1776, and it remains as trenchant and powerful a call for freedom, equality, and progress today.
Penguin Books Civic Classics

The Declaration of Independence and The United States Constitution Common Sense/Thomas Paine The Federalist Papers Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay Lincoln Speeches/Abraham Lincoln American Political Speeches Supreme Court Decisions Penguin presents great essential texts of American civic life in a portable and accessible series for the politically engaged. Richard Beeman and leading experts introduce the founding documents, pivotal historic speeches, important Supreme Court decision, and historic writings, both revolutionary and inspiring, that express core principles and ideals, raise issues, and tell a story about the American experiment in self-government.
These are the words, ideas, and actions that have shaped American society and government since their founding and that continue to matter and empower. By mapping out our constitutional history, Civic Classics help us navigate through our present challenges, a journey better enjoyed as a participant rather than a bystander.