Tom Paine’s War is a book aptly titled. It isn’t an in-depth examination of Paine’s political pamphlets, although it brings out their highlights. This is the story of Tom Paine and his writings in the context of the politics, culture, and fight for America’s independence from England. If you are looking for an accessible overview of the Revolutionary War, this is a good place to start.

Paine was curious, intelligent, and gregarious. He befriended Benjamin Franklin, who introduced Paine into the worlds of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. Although he knew many great people of this era, Paine wasn’t an insider. His Common Sense pamphlet had grand ideas written in everyday language, making it appeal to both the intellectuals and the common man.

Paine’s political essays rallied the colonists and helped unify thoughts of a new government, independent of the King. This made Paine popular for a time, but people didn’t embrace all of his ideas. Written in his later years, The Age of Reason was a deist critique of the Bible, through which Paine lost much credibility.

FUN FACT: Tom Paine was possibly the first war newspaper correspondent.

Thank you @StMartinsPress and @NetGalley for the advance reader copy of Tom Paine’s War. Pre-order now at https://amzn.to/3IAxg0k for January 6, 2026 release.

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