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Tom Paine's War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time
In 1776, one man's words--and the determination of American patriots--allowed our nation to survive its first crisis.
We think of the "Declaration of Independence" as the Revolution's defining document. But two essays appealed even more directly to Americans' feelings in 1776. Thomas Paine--a recent immigrant and self-taught writer--saw that America's rebellion was not simply about taxes and representation. It was a true revolution that could upend the fraud of monarchy and dismantle the aristocratic privilege that had dominated the world for centuries. His pamphlet "Common Sense" convinced Americans that the king had no divine right to rule them--they could rule themselves.
Having inspired patriots to declare their independence, Paine enlisted as a private in the militia. He saw Washington's army suffer defeats. He slogged through the mud with retreating troops to Pennsylvania. There, he wrote "The American Crisis," the most stirring rallying cry in our history. It began: "These are the times that try men's souls . . ." Washington and his men took heart, crossed the Delaware River, and prevailed to fight another day.
A tribute to the Revolution's 250th anniversary, Tom Paine's War is a riveting exploration of the earliest days of our nation's birth. This is a story of the power of words--and the power of belief--and how both speak as well to America's current crisis.
We think of the "Declaration of Independence" as the Revolution's defining document. But two essays appealed even more directly to Americans' feelings in 1776. Thomas Paine--a recent immigrant and self-taught writer--saw that America's rebellion was not simply about taxes and representation. It was a true revolution that could upend the fraud of monarchy and dismantle the aristocratic privilege that had dominated the world for centuries. His pamphlet "Common Sense" convinced Americans that the king had no divine right to rule them--they could rule themselves.
Having inspired patriots to declare their independence, Paine enlisted as a private in the militia. He saw Washington's army suffer defeats. He slogged through the mud with retreating troops to Pennsylvania. There, he wrote "The American Crisis," the most stirring rallying cry in our history. It began: "These are the times that try men's souls . . ." Washington and his men took heart, crossed the Delaware River, and prevailed to fight another day.
A tribute to the Revolution's 250th anniversary, Tom Paine's War is a riveting exploration of the earliest days of our nation's birth. This is a story of the power of words--and the power of belief--and how both speak as well to America's current crisis.
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 6, 2026
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3333 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
November 28, 2025
4 stars for an informative book about Tom Paine, his famous pamphlets and his actions during the Revolutionary war during the early years of the war. Paine enlisted as a regular soldier in the Continental army. The text of his famous article, "The American Crisis" , with its opening line, "These are the times that try men's souls", is reprinted in full at the end of the book. The text of that article describes his time as a soldier. The book also describes how Paine wrote his articles and the process of printing and publishing them.
The articles helped galvanize public support for the Revolution.
One quote, describing Common Sense: " Then came Common Sense. In January 1776, the pamphlet became the fastest -selling publication ever distributed in the colonies. It did not mince words or argue for compromise. It stated flat out that monarchy, the dominant form of European government for centuries, was an artifice by which a small group of dishonest men gained ascendancy over the majority. The king was a fraud. "
Thank you Sara Beth Haring at St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
The articles helped galvanize public support for the Revolution.
One quote, describing Common Sense: " Then came Common Sense. In January 1776, the pamphlet became the fastest -selling publication ever distributed in the colonies. It did not mince words or argue for compromise. It stated flat out that monarchy, the dominant form of European government for centuries, was an artifice by which a small group of dishonest men gained ascendancy over the majority. The king was a fraud. "
Thank you Sara Beth Haring at St. Martin's Press for sending me this eARC through NetGalley.
November 30, 2025
This is a meticulously researched, informative biography of the revolutionary writer and political activist Thomas Paine. It vividly describes his life, including his contributions to the American cause as a soldier, the time he spent as a war correspondent, his interactions with historical figures, and his life before and after the Revolutionary War. The appendix contains his inspiring work, "The American Crisis", and the epilogue states the author's compelling argument for including Thomas Paine as a founding father.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Mr. Kelly, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of this fascinating book. This is my honest opinion.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Mr. Kelly, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of this fascinating book. This is my honest opinion.
November 20, 2025
I am so used to subtitles being throw away words that I was caught off guard by Jack Kelly's Tom Paine's War. I mean in a good way!
While expecting a biography of Tom Paine, Kelly decides to root Paine and his words at the very beginning of the fighting in the Revolutionary War. Washington and his army have moved on from Boston and the mostly disastrous New York phase of the war is about to begin. Kelly proceeds to walk the reader through this tactical battles (with an appearance by personal favorite Joseph Plumb Martin) while placing Paine as a spiritual architect to what is happening (and will happen).
Kelly does give some background for Paine and explains how he came to be the author of the Revolution and how impactful his work was. I do think this book works best for people unfamiliar with Paine and especially with the tactical realities of the revolution.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.)
While expecting a biography of Tom Paine, Kelly decides to root Paine and his words at the very beginning of the fighting in the Revolutionary War. Washington and his army have moved on from Boston and the mostly disastrous New York phase of the war is about to begin. Kelly proceeds to walk the reader through this tactical battles (with an appearance by personal favorite Joseph Plumb Martin) while placing Paine as a spiritual architect to what is happening (and will happen).
Kelly does give some background for Paine and explains how he came to be the author of the Revolution and how impactful his work was. I do think this book works best for people unfamiliar with Paine and especially with the tactical realities of the revolution.
(This book was provided as an advance reader copy by NetGalley and St. Martin's Press.)
October 7, 2025
I have read multiple books on the Revolutionary War, so when I was offered a copy of Tom Paine’s War, I thought the book would be more of a biography, with an emphasis on the time of the war.
I’m not entirely sure what Jack Kelly was intending to do with this book, but it is not really a biography of Thomas Paine. At points, like parts two and four it strays into that category, and briefly again at the end of the book, but the majority of the book isn’t even about the entirety of the war, just about a three and a half month period between mid-September 1776 and the early days of January 1777.
This was without a doubt a period when the Americans were struggling mightily, and finally saw some light at the end of the tunnel. But beyond telling the story from the perspective of several of the men fighting in these battles through their own words, it doesn’t tell me anything new that I haven’t read before or do it in a clear narrative fashion that reads more like fiction.
Kelly does write in a more narrative format, but it tends to jump around, from the words of enlisted men directly quoted to more of a third person approach when exploring George Washington and Tom Paine. I can’t say I learned anything new about Washington and very little about Paine.
I have no doubt that source materials are more limited for a person like Paine than those available for men that became presidents, or the well-written and well known Benjamin Franklin. But I’ve also read biographies in recent years about Sam Adams and Paul Revere that do much better service to their title historical figure.
Tom Paine’s War might be a good fit for someone that hasn’t read much about the Revolutionary War and is looking to read about a point in the war that is regarded as a turning point for the Americans. But I was underwhelmed by how little the book focused on Thomas Paine and the limited amount of new information I walked away with about him, and that was the reason I was interested in reading the book in the first place.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m not entirely sure what Jack Kelly was intending to do with this book, but it is not really a biography of Thomas Paine. At points, like parts two and four it strays into that category, and briefly again at the end of the book, but the majority of the book isn’t even about the entirety of the war, just about a three and a half month period between mid-September 1776 and the early days of January 1777.
This was without a doubt a period when the Americans were struggling mightily, and finally saw some light at the end of the tunnel. But beyond telling the story from the perspective of several of the men fighting in these battles through their own words, it doesn’t tell me anything new that I haven’t read before or do it in a clear narrative fashion that reads more like fiction.
Kelly does write in a more narrative format, but it tends to jump around, from the words of enlisted men directly quoted to more of a third person approach when exploring George Washington and Tom Paine. I can’t say I learned anything new about Washington and very little about Paine.
I have no doubt that source materials are more limited for a person like Paine than those available for men that became presidents, or the well-written and well known Benjamin Franklin. But I’ve also read biographies in recent years about Sam Adams and Paul Revere that do much better service to their title historical figure.
Tom Paine’s War might be a good fit for someone that hasn’t read much about the Revolutionary War and is looking to read about a point in the war that is regarded as a turning point for the Americans. But I was underwhelmed by how little the book focused on Thomas Paine and the limited amount of new information I walked away with about him, and that was the reason I was interested in reading the book in the first place.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2025
Decent book overall. Despite the title, the book consists more of random anecdotes and summaries about Thomas Paine's life, and then accounts of the early days of the American Revolution. Yes, sometimes the two overlap, but often they don't.
So while I enjoyed the book overall, it wasn't a true five-star read for me, since it wobbled and meandered due to lack of a strong thesis.
I did enjoy the Scottish people who showed up in it, as Scottish history, specifically the Jacobite movement, is my latest obsession. So that was fun.
Also, the slogan of Colonel Hand's Pennsylvania rifle corps, Dominari nolo (I will not be ruled) is so awesome, I'd like to steal it for myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy.
So while I enjoyed the book overall, it wasn't a true five-star read for me, since it wobbled and meandered due to lack of a strong thesis.
I did enjoy the Scottish people who showed up in it, as Scottish history, specifically the Jacobite movement, is my latest obsession. So that was fun.
Also, the slogan of Colonel Hand's Pennsylvania rifle corps, Dominari nolo (I will not be ruled) is so awesome, I'd like to steal it for myself.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy.
December 5, 2025
The purpose of this book is to make the point that words matter and that plain truth can shape history. from Tom Paine’s War by Jack Kelley
This lively retelling of Revolutionary War history considers the influence of Thomas Paine’s writing.
Paine was a recent immigrant from Britain with a history of failed ventures when he took up the Patriot cause. A true radica, from the American cause to the French Revolution, he predicted the fall of European monarchies, banning him from England. Once a Methodist lay preacher, he believed in the separation of church and state. During the French reign of Terror, he was arrested and only robespierre’s death saved him from the guillotine.
Although not usually grouped with the Founding Fathers, he was admired by Susan B, Anthony; Abraham Lincoln considered him one of the most important thinkers of the Patriot cause, and President Obama quoted him.
This was a good read after I watched the Ken Burn’s series on the American Revolution. The descriptions of the battles and the key personages during the war are entertaining and clear.
The War is the main focus of the book. It is not a traditional biography of a man, but shows his influence and involvement in the War as a way of understanding the man.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
This lively retelling of Revolutionary War history considers the influence of Thomas Paine’s writing.
Paine was a recent immigrant from Britain with a history of failed ventures when he took up the Patriot cause. A true radica, from the American cause to the French Revolution, he predicted the fall of European monarchies, banning him from England. Once a Methodist lay preacher, he believed in the separation of church and state. During the French reign of Terror, he was arrested and only robespierre’s death saved him from the guillotine.
Although not usually grouped with the Founding Fathers, he was admired by Susan B, Anthony; Abraham Lincoln considered him one of the most important thinkers of the Patriot cause, and President Obama quoted him.
This was a good read after I watched the Ken Burn’s series on the American Revolution. The descriptions of the battles and the key personages during the war are entertaining and clear.
The War is the main focus of the book. It is not a traditional biography of a man, but shows his influence and involvement in the War as a way of understanding the man.
Thanks to the publisher for a free book through NetGalley.
January 25, 2026
This year is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I think this might be why I'm noticing so much Revolutionary War content right now. I very much enjoyed Ken Burns "The American Revolution" series and this book has added to my knowledge. This definitely isn't a simple biography of Tom Paine. The book is also a history of the battles of the Revolution fought in the early years of the war in the middle states. Tom Paine was a soldier in some of these battles, at the same time that his most important works were published. It also, like most good history books, vividly describes life of the time. I definitely know more about how average people lived in the 18th century.
The writing is clear and easy to follow. It is often exciting and sometimes very inspirational. I was surprised how relevant Paine's writing is to today. "... when it shall be said in any country in the world, my poor are happy... my jails are empty... the aged are not in want... then may that country boast its constitution and its government." Amen.
The writing is clear and easy to follow. It is often exciting and sometimes very inspirational. I was surprised how relevant Paine's writing is to today. "... when it shall be said in any country in the world, my poor are happy... my jails are empty... the aged are not in want... then may that country boast its constitution and its government." Amen.
November 14, 2025
I have read several books about the American Revolutionary War and find the topic fascinating. How Washington's continental forces were able to overcome the British Redcoats and their hired Hessian mercenaries and eventually win the war is just incredible to me. One figure from that time period is Thomas Paine, the author of Common Sense and later The American Crisis with its famous opening "These are the times that try men's souls." This book is a biography of Paine and his place in history.
Paine, according to author Jack Kelly, is an enigma. He is not routinely thought of as one of America's founding fathers, yet his writings inspired the colonists to stand up and fight for their countries. His life was checkered; he traveled back and forth to England and France. Paine seemed to have trouble holding any type of job, and he received a lot of financial support from many different benefactors.
Paine was what we think of as an "embedded journalist" in the Revolutionary War, seeing firsthand the fighting, the bloodshed, and the many sacrifices made by early Americans. He used these experiences to convey the thoughts and feelings of soldiers and everyday people through his writings.
The book is very well researched, and it flows easily. The events lead up to the pivotal American victory at Trenton, after that the narrative sort of disperses. Still, it is an interesting book about a patriot who used the pen, instead of the sword, in battle.
I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.
I want to thank the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book. I attest this is my original and unbiased review.
Paine, according to author Jack Kelly, is an enigma. He is not routinely thought of as one of America's founding fathers, yet his writings inspired the colonists to stand up and fight for their countries. His life was checkered; he traveled back and forth to England and France. Paine seemed to have trouble holding any type of job, and he received a lot of financial support from many different benefactors.
Paine was what we think of as an "embedded journalist" in the Revolutionary War, seeing firsthand the fighting, the bloodshed, and the many sacrifices made by early Americans. He used these experiences to convey the thoughts and feelings of soldiers and everyday people through his writings.
The book is very well researched, and it flows easily. The events lead up to the pivotal American victory at Trenton, after that the narrative sort of disperses. Still, it is an interesting book about a patriot who used the pen, instead of the sword, in battle.
I give the book 4 out of 5 stars.
I want to thank the author, St. Martin's Press, and NetGalley for the chance to review an ARC of this book. I attest this is my original and unbiased review.
November 21, 2025
I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher.
Like some of the other reviewers, I was expecting this book to be more focused on Tom Paine and not just bits and pieces of his life and writings interspersed with the civil war. It was semi-interesting, but not what I was expecting based on the title. If you are a beginner interested in the civil war, then this has a lot of key points.
Like some of the other reviewers, I was expecting this book to be more focused on Tom Paine and not just bits and pieces of his life and writings interspersed with the civil war. It was semi-interesting, but not what I was expecting based on the title. If you are a beginner interested in the civil war, then this has a lot of key points.
November 23, 2025
In writing Tom Paine, Jack Kelly has shone light on an American hero who has become famous only for his oft repeated rallying cry. I enjoy biographies more when they try to make the person more real by fleshing out their lives and providing insight into their early lives that shaped them.
This biography focused more on the Revolutionary War, particularly a pivotal few months when Tom Payne was instrumental in reversing the course of the war. I hope that this book finds an audience with readers who an enjoy in-depth look at an interesting character in the history of the United States.
This biography focused more on the Revolutionary War, particularly a pivotal few months when Tom Payne was instrumental in reversing the course of the war. I hope that this book finds an audience with readers who an enjoy in-depth look at an interesting character in the history of the United States.
February 2, 2026
The American Revolution had been underway for over a year by the time the Declaration of Independence was signed in July 1776. There had been various military engagements fought between American and British soldiers during that time. While the initial fighting stemmed from the colonial rebellion against excessive taxes and other tyrannous acts committed on behalf of King George’s government, there lacked a unifying cause.
In January 1776, Thomas Paine provided a case for independence with the publication of Common Sense, a 47-page pamphlet that called out the inherent unfairness of monarchical government. His words lit the revolutionary fire inside the hearts of colonists by making clear that liberty was the only solution.
Paine had been in America for a little over a year when he penned his moving and incendiary booklet. He was born into a hardworking clan from Thetford, a small town in Norfolk, England. As a British citizen, he was acquainted with the imbalance of justice enabled by the monarchy, as he witnessed proceedings of the courts of assize. Paine was the son of a Quaker who possessed a scientific mind and wasn’t averse to speaking up when he felt aggrieved. His life in England witnessed multiple hardships, from the tragic loss of his first wife during childbirth to the rapid dissolution of his second marriage after his fight to win higher wages for excisemen (tax collectors) proved futile. His misfortunes had him reevaluate his life, and he decided that a change was in order.
Paine journeyed across the Atlantic with money from his divorce and a recommendation letter from Benjamin Franklin. He arrived in December 1774 and was soon making an impact as an editor and frequent writer for The Pennsylvania Magazine. His exposure to the deteriorating situation in the colonies and his abhorrence of the ruling class stoked his ideas, which he began pouring into his manifesto. Less than two years later, Paine was a revolutionary not only in thought but also in practice as he was serving in the Continental Army as an aide to General Nathanael Greene.
The late summer and fall of 1776 saw the Americans with their backs to the wall against their opponents. In addition to losing Long Island and New York City, General George Washington had been forced to retreat altogether. If Britain’s General William Howe managed to flank and surround Washington’s forces, the war would have ended, and the cause of independence would have been lost.
Paine was an eyewitness to deadly bombardments from the British forces and their Hessian allies. He had seen the looks of the dispirited men who retreated amidst an enemy assault. However, Paine didn’t believe in giving up the cause, which led him to pen his next work, The American Crisis, beginning in December. His rhetoric would serve equally as inspiring as Common Sense, if not more so. His words, coupled with the Continental Army’s victory at the Battle of Trenton, buoyed the spirits of the men who would face an uphill climb over the ensuing seven years.
TOM PAINE’S WAR is an engrossing and outstanding biography of the rabble-rousing freedom fighter and how his stirring words galvanized a nascent country. Thomas Paine’s impact has been overshadowed by other contemporary figures of the Revolution. Thankfully, Jack Kelly’s excellent book allows Paine to be given his proper due, which proves even more significant with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaching in July 2026.
Kelly effectively elucidates how Paine appealed to the masses by communicating with them as equals and how taking arms should be done only with a purpose in mind. His ability to brilliantly shift the narrative tone allows each chapter to stand on its own, whether the section relates to Paine’s life story or Washington’s command of the Continental Army and the numerous leadership struggles he faced. Kelly has produced a significant historical work about both a remarkable man and the rebel movement he spurred on.
Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro
In January 1776, Thomas Paine provided a case for independence with the publication of Common Sense, a 47-page pamphlet that called out the inherent unfairness of monarchical government. His words lit the revolutionary fire inside the hearts of colonists by making clear that liberty was the only solution.
Paine had been in America for a little over a year when he penned his moving and incendiary booklet. He was born into a hardworking clan from Thetford, a small town in Norfolk, England. As a British citizen, he was acquainted with the imbalance of justice enabled by the monarchy, as he witnessed proceedings of the courts of assize. Paine was the son of a Quaker who possessed a scientific mind and wasn’t averse to speaking up when he felt aggrieved. His life in England witnessed multiple hardships, from the tragic loss of his first wife during childbirth to the rapid dissolution of his second marriage after his fight to win higher wages for excisemen (tax collectors) proved futile. His misfortunes had him reevaluate his life, and he decided that a change was in order.
Paine journeyed across the Atlantic with money from his divorce and a recommendation letter from Benjamin Franklin. He arrived in December 1774 and was soon making an impact as an editor and frequent writer for The Pennsylvania Magazine. His exposure to the deteriorating situation in the colonies and his abhorrence of the ruling class stoked his ideas, which he began pouring into his manifesto. Less than two years later, Paine was a revolutionary not only in thought but also in practice as he was serving in the Continental Army as an aide to General Nathanael Greene.
The late summer and fall of 1776 saw the Americans with their backs to the wall against their opponents. In addition to losing Long Island and New York City, General George Washington had been forced to retreat altogether. If Britain’s General William Howe managed to flank and surround Washington’s forces, the war would have ended, and the cause of independence would have been lost.
Paine was an eyewitness to deadly bombardments from the British forces and their Hessian allies. He had seen the looks of the dispirited men who retreated amidst an enemy assault. However, Paine didn’t believe in giving up the cause, which led him to pen his next work, The American Crisis, beginning in December. His rhetoric would serve equally as inspiring as Common Sense, if not more so. His words, coupled with the Continental Army’s victory at the Battle of Trenton, buoyed the spirits of the men who would face an uphill climb over the ensuing seven years.
TOM PAINE’S WAR is an engrossing and outstanding biography of the rabble-rousing freedom fighter and how his stirring words galvanized a nascent country. Thomas Paine’s impact has been overshadowed by other contemporary figures of the Revolution. Thankfully, Jack Kelly’s excellent book allows Paine to be given his proper due, which proves even more significant with the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence approaching in July 2026.
Kelly effectively elucidates how Paine appealed to the masses by communicating with them as equals and how taking arms should be done only with a purpose in mind. His ability to brilliantly shift the narrative tone allows each chapter to stand on its own, whether the section relates to Paine’s life story or Washington’s command of the Continental Army and the numerous leadership struggles he faced. Kelly has produced a significant historical work about both a remarkable man and the rebel movement he spurred on.
Reviewed by Philip Zozzaro
December 6, 2025
My thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for an advance copy of this history of the American Revolution as seen through the eyes of those inspired by the words of one man, from a ragtag group, to an army filled with hope and the promise of what a country free of oppression and monarchy could be like.
One of the people I work with is known at the Great Motivator. This manager has an incredible ability to find the right words, be it song lyrics, movies, poems, or even I think stuff she makes up. Even on the worse days, with computers down, books all over the place, and hope dwindling, she can say something that makes all of us go, yay it stinks right now we can do this. We are friends so I understand the importance that words have to her. Words kept her alive when her parents were taken from her when she was young. It started with reading her Mom's favorite song lyrics, quoting her Dad's favorite shows. From there she opened her mind, and frankly her heart to what words can mean. And to her minions as we call ourselves, we would do whatever she asked. Without a doubt. The right words can inspire, uplift and motivate anybody. Even when things look darkest. As in the early days of the American Revolution as shown in this fascinating book. Tom Paine's War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time by Jack Kelly is a look at the American Revolution at one of its darkest moments, and how one man put together a pamphlet that gave hope to a battered army.
The book begins in New York where enlisted troops endowed with hopes and hype suddenly see the reality of war. Large British ships of the line, loaded with men, and more importantly cannons sail past ignoring most of the men on shore as unimportant threats with better things to destroy. Among these troops is a young immigrant of some fame, Thomas Paine, currently an aide de camp to one of George Washington's generals. This was the early days of the war, with problems in funding, training, enlisting and keeping those troops to fight the British. Many of the Americans were self-taught in the ways of war, and as with any group infighting and feuds were causing dissension in the upper ranks. The roar of cannons announced the attack, and soon American soldiers were taking flight, giving up not only ground, but packs filled with clothing, cannons and munitions. Maybe even hope. The troops retreated to Pennsylvania, where Paine, seeing things the way there were, began to write a small book, that caused big things. And changed history in many ways.
The book I thought was a biography about Paine, but it is so much more, and is better for it. This is more a history of the worst part of the American Revolution, where things looked darkest, told from the point of view of both men on the ground, and the elites behind the scenes. Thomas Paine could be called the Ghost of Tom Paine, seeing all, hearing things, knowing what the least among the fighters was thinking, and what the generals were in fear of. Paine brought all this together, with lines that brought the cost and what needed to be done together in powerful ways. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, a look at the Revolution that I feel is missed. Kelly is a very good author, able to capture the people on both sides, and why the words of an immigrant carried so much weight, and inspiration.
A very good look at the American Revolution, and a book that will be of some interest to those who recently watched the Ken Burns documentary on PBS. A book that was different than I expected, but one I enjoyed quite a bit. This is my first book by Jack Kelly but I plan to read more.
One of the people I work with is known at the Great Motivator. This manager has an incredible ability to find the right words, be it song lyrics, movies, poems, or even I think stuff she makes up. Even on the worse days, with computers down, books all over the place, and hope dwindling, she can say something that makes all of us go, yay it stinks right now we can do this. We are friends so I understand the importance that words have to her. Words kept her alive when her parents were taken from her when she was young. It started with reading her Mom's favorite song lyrics, quoting her Dad's favorite shows. From there she opened her mind, and frankly her heart to what words can mean. And to her minions as we call ourselves, we would do whatever she asked. Without a doubt. The right words can inspire, uplift and motivate anybody. Even when things look darkest. As in the early days of the American Revolution as shown in this fascinating book. Tom Paine's War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time by Jack Kelly is a look at the American Revolution at one of its darkest moments, and how one man put together a pamphlet that gave hope to a battered army.
The book begins in New York where enlisted troops endowed with hopes and hype suddenly see the reality of war. Large British ships of the line, loaded with men, and more importantly cannons sail past ignoring most of the men on shore as unimportant threats with better things to destroy. Among these troops is a young immigrant of some fame, Thomas Paine, currently an aide de camp to one of George Washington's generals. This was the early days of the war, with problems in funding, training, enlisting and keeping those troops to fight the British. Many of the Americans were self-taught in the ways of war, and as with any group infighting and feuds were causing dissension in the upper ranks. The roar of cannons announced the attack, and soon American soldiers were taking flight, giving up not only ground, but packs filled with clothing, cannons and munitions. Maybe even hope. The troops retreated to Pennsylvania, where Paine, seeing things the way there were, began to write a small book, that caused big things. And changed history in many ways.
The book I thought was a biography about Paine, but it is so much more, and is better for it. This is more a history of the worst part of the American Revolution, where things looked darkest, told from the point of view of both men on the ground, and the elites behind the scenes. Thomas Paine could be called the Ghost of Tom Paine, seeing all, hearing things, knowing what the least among the fighters was thinking, and what the generals were in fear of. Paine brought all this together, with lines that brought the cost and what needed to be done together in powerful ways. I enjoyed this book quite a bit, a look at the Revolution that I feel is missed. Kelly is a very good author, able to capture the people on both sides, and why the words of an immigrant carried so much weight, and inspiration.
A very good look at the American Revolution, and a book that will be of some interest to those who recently watched the Ken Burns documentary on PBS. A book that was different than I expected, but one I enjoyed quite a bit. This is my first book by Jack Kelly but I plan to read more.
January 26, 2026
Real Rating: 3.75* of five
The Publisher Says: In 1776, one man's words—and the determination of American patriots—allowed our nation to survive its first crisis.
We think of the "Declaration of Independence" as the Revolution's defining document. But two essays appealed even more directly to Americans' feelings in 1776. Thomas Paine—a recent immigrant and self-taught writer—saw that America's rebellion was not simply about taxes and representation. It was a true revolution that could upend the fraud of monarchy and dismantle the aristocratic privilege that had dominated the world for centuries. His pamphlet "Common Sense" convinced Americans that the king had no divine right to rule them—they could rule themselves.
Having inspired patriots to declare their independence, Paine enlisted as a private in the militia. He saw Washington's army suffer defeats. He slogged through the mud with retreating troops to Pennsylvania. There, he wrote "The American Crisis," the most stirring rallying cry in our history. It began: "These are the times that try men's souls . . ." Washington and his men took heart, crossed the Delaware River, and prevailed to fight another day.
A tribute to the Revolution's 250th anniversary, Tom Paine's War is a riveting exploration of the earliest days of our nation's birth. This is a story of the power of words--and the power of belief—and how both speak as well to America's current crisis.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I was eager to see how much I could add to my existing store of facts and ideas about the 1776 Revolution, particularly about Paine's role in both crystallizing its justification and fomenting its passions. I got enough interesting analysis regarding the impact, and the centrality, of Paine's expressive writing to find the read involving. Paine himself has left a small footprint in the records we know to exist. There could be others yet undiscovered. Adding new facts to the narrative, then, wasn't on the cards.
This is in no way the author's responsibility, and factors in my rating only very slightly as a tinge of disappointment. I'm not able to offer a higher rating because I found the read felt disorganized, with Paine's words mostly sidelined by accounts of ordinary soldiers' opinions. It's not uninteresting,, it's quite involving to see the early days of the Revolution through their eyes. But why say it's "Ton Paine's war" when he's a small part of the larger picture? Is the author attempting to demonstrate that Paine's words ignited revolutionary fervor sufficient to cause the war? In that case, many more examples, or a much deeper dive on the examples included...which frankly feels impossible to me given the paucity of records about ordinary people in eighteenth-century America...would be necessary.
While interesting, this is a shorter, better monograph (honestly, the Author's Note and the Prologue say it all) lurking in a padded read. It would be ideal for a reader new to the topic of the Revolution discussed, or unfamiliar with mass-media's role in igniting war. I think it serves as a decent jumping-off point for other readers, as there are carefully attributed notes throughout as one would expect from this author.
It was not my most successful read, but I can't complain about the prose or the idea animating the book. It's just not quite the book I expected given the title and synopsis.
The Publisher Says: In 1776, one man's words—and the determination of American patriots—allowed our nation to survive its first crisis.
We think of the "Declaration of Independence" as the Revolution's defining document. But two essays appealed even more directly to Americans' feelings in 1776. Thomas Paine—a recent immigrant and self-taught writer—saw that America's rebellion was not simply about taxes and representation. It was a true revolution that could upend the fraud of monarchy and dismantle the aristocratic privilege that had dominated the world for centuries. His pamphlet "Common Sense" convinced Americans that the king had no divine right to rule them—they could rule themselves.
Having inspired patriots to declare their independence, Paine enlisted as a private in the militia. He saw Washington's army suffer defeats. He slogged through the mud with retreating troops to Pennsylvania. There, he wrote "The American Crisis," the most stirring rallying cry in our history. It began: "These are the times that try men's souls . . ." Washington and his men took heart, crossed the Delaware River, and prevailed to fight another day.
A tribute to the Revolution's 250th anniversary, Tom Paine's War is a riveting exploration of the earliest days of our nation's birth. This is a story of the power of words--and the power of belief—and how both speak as well to America's current crisis.
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I was eager to see how much I could add to my existing store of facts and ideas about the 1776 Revolution, particularly about Paine's role in both crystallizing its justification and fomenting its passions. I got enough interesting analysis regarding the impact, and the centrality, of Paine's expressive writing to find the read involving. Paine himself has left a small footprint in the records we know to exist. There could be others yet undiscovered. Adding new facts to the narrative, then, wasn't on the cards.
This is in no way the author's responsibility, and factors in my rating only very slightly as a tinge of disappointment. I'm not able to offer a higher rating because I found the read felt disorganized, with Paine's words mostly sidelined by accounts of ordinary soldiers' opinions. It's not uninteresting,, it's quite involving to see the early days of the Revolution through their eyes. But why say it's "Ton Paine's war" when he's a small part of the larger picture? Is the author attempting to demonstrate that Paine's words ignited revolutionary fervor sufficient to cause the war? In that case, many more examples, or a much deeper dive on the examples included...which frankly feels impossible to me given the paucity of records about ordinary people in eighteenth-century America...would be necessary.
While interesting, this is a shorter, better monograph (honestly, the Author's Note and the Prologue say it all) lurking in a padded read. It would be ideal for a reader new to the topic of the Revolution discussed, or unfamiliar with mass-media's role in igniting war. I think it serves as a decent jumping-off point for other readers, as there are carefully attributed notes throughout as one would expect from this author.
It was not my most successful read, but I can't complain about the prose or the idea animating the book. It's just not quite the book I expected given the title and synopsis.
October 26, 2025
Jack Kelly’s non-fiction work, “Tom Paine’s War,” is a good choice for anyone seeking to learn about the Continental Army's near defeat and surprising redemption in 1776. Part history, part biography, it details the string of disasters, losses, and privations suffered by George Washington’s men as British forces drove them out of New York, down through New Jersey, and into Pennsylvania, as well as their extraordinary Christmas comeback, crossing the Delaware River to defeat Hessian troops at Trenton and subsequently win two more battles. And it describes author Thomas Paine’s background and participation in the war as both a soldier and a writer.
Emigrating from England to Philadelphia in 1774, Thomas Paine authored “Common Sense,” a pamphlet published in January 1776 that persuaded many that the time had come for the American colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain. Mr. Kelly starts with that and goes on to describe the war in New York after the Declaration of Independence and how during the last five months of 1776, Washington’s army was decimated by battle losses, illnesses, desertions, and the expiration of enlistments. During that time, Tom Paine was an enlisted private who, because he could write, served as secretary to one of Washington’s most trusted subordinates, Major General Nathaniel Greene, at Fort Lee, New Jersey and during the retreat therefrom.
From that vantage point, he witnessed the vicious cruelty and atrocities that British and Hessian soldiers visited on both American soldiers and civilians. When his enlistment was up, he returned to Philadelphia to write about it in another pamphlet: “The American Crisis” (reprinted in an appendix at the end of the book). An eight-page essay published in early-mid-December, 1776, it sought to recharacterize the disheartening losses as harbingers of ultimate victory while taking King George, III, British and Hessian soldiers, and Tories to task for their brutality and cowardice. It encouraged Americans to hold fast and see the war through to victory. Widely disseminated throughout the colonies, it succeeded in stiffening and reinvigorating the resolve of soldiers and civilians alike.
Mr. Kelly tells the story well, devoting about 30-40% of the content to Thomas Paine and his writings and 60-70% to Revolutionary War events and conditions. His portrayals of various battles, and what the soldiers must have endured, are rich in detail. Even though I’ve read a lot about the 1776 New York/New Jersey battles, "Tom Paine's War" taught me some things I'd never known.
All in all, an instructive, worthwhile read for anyone interested in Revolutionary War history.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Jack Kelly, and publisher St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
Emigrating from England to Philadelphia in 1774, Thomas Paine authored “Common Sense,” a pamphlet published in January 1776 that persuaded many that the time had come for the American colonies to declare their independence from Great Britain. Mr. Kelly starts with that and goes on to describe the war in New York after the Declaration of Independence and how during the last five months of 1776, Washington’s army was decimated by battle losses, illnesses, desertions, and the expiration of enlistments. During that time, Tom Paine was an enlisted private who, because he could write, served as secretary to one of Washington’s most trusted subordinates, Major General Nathaniel Greene, at Fort Lee, New Jersey and during the retreat therefrom.
From that vantage point, he witnessed the vicious cruelty and atrocities that British and Hessian soldiers visited on both American soldiers and civilians. When his enlistment was up, he returned to Philadelphia to write about it in another pamphlet: “The American Crisis” (reprinted in an appendix at the end of the book). An eight-page essay published in early-mid-December, 1776, it sought to recharacterize the disheartening losses as harbingers of ultimate victory while taking King George, III, British and Hessian soldiers, and Tories to task for their brutality and cowardice. It encouraged Americans to hold fast and see the war through to victory. Widely disseminated throughout the colonies, it succeeded in stiffening and reinvigorating the resolve of soldiers and civilians alike.
Mr. Kelly tells the story well, devoting about 30-40% of the content to Thomas Paine and his writings and 60-70% to Revolutionary War events and conditions. His portrayals of various battles, and what the soldiers must have endured, are rich in detail. Even though I’ve read a lot about the 1776 New York/New Jersey battles, "Tom Paine's War" taught me some things I'd never known.
All in all, an instructive, worthwhile read for anyone interested in Revolutionary War history.
My thanks to NetGalley, author Jack Kelly, and publisher St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a complimentary electronic ARC. All of the foregoing is my honest, independent opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Historian and author Jack Kelly’s newest book takes on the story of a hero of the American Revolutionary War. His previous book was a biography of Benedict Arnold, a traitor and villain of the same war. I called that an “excellent” book in my review two years ago and said it was “well written and easy to read.”
One difference between that book and this one is how much I knew or thought I knew about the subject of the story. Benedict Arnold features prominently in a lot of books on the American Revolution. His is a story of action, drama and tragedy that is almost irresistible for historians. The story of Thomas Paine, in my estimation, is less well told, even if held in higher estimation by those same historians. Kelly has set out to right that wrong.
The book focuses on Paine’s influence on and participation in the Revolutionary War. Born in England, Paine did not even emigrate to America until 1774 but went on to become the author of several pamphlets that solidified revolutionary feeling and helped to move public opinion in the colonies toward the inevitability of independence from the Mother Country.
His first pamphlet to sweep the nation (to go viral as we would say today) was called Common Sense. In plain language easily understood by the common man Paine laid out the argument for independence. The pamphlet hit at a time when such ideas were brewing but few would dare to talk about them openly. But the timing was perfect, and the influence of his ideas can be seen in the Declaration of Independence itself which echoes some of the language Paine used.
Later, when things looked pretty grim for the revolutionaries, and many feared that the British soldiers would triumph, Paine produced a series of pamphlets under the title American Crisis. The first of that series begins with words many still know by heart - “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
Tom Paine’s War tells the story of Thomas Paine, his early life, his two marriages, his career failures, and his blossoming as a “barroom debater” all while still in England. Then, his friendship with Benjamin Franklin, then residing in England, his emigration to America, his success there in magazine publishing, his friendship with George Washington, and the influence his words had on both the start of the revolution and it’s continuing momentum. The subtitle of the book is “The Words that Rallied a Nation”, and for once a book's subtitle is right on the money.
One difference between that book and this one is how much I knew or thought I knew about the subject of the story. Benedict Arnold features prominently in a lot of books on the American Revolution. His is a story of action, drama and tragedy that is almost irresistible for historians. The story of Thomas Paine, in my estimation, is less well told, even if held in higher estimation by those same historians. Kelly has set out to right that wrong.
The book focuses on Paine’s influence on and participation in the Revolutionary War. Born in England, Paine did not even emigrate to America until 1774 but went on to become the author of several pamphlets that solidified revolutionary feeling and helped to move public opinion in the colonies toward the inevitability of independence from the Mother Country.
His first pamphlet to sweep the nation (to go viral as we would say today) was called Common Sense. In plain language easily understood by the common man Paine laid out the argument for independence. The pamphlet hit at a time when such ideas were brewing but few would dare to talk about them openly. But the timing was perfect, and the influence of his ideas can be seen in the Declaration of Independence itself which echoes some of the language Paine used.
Later, when things looked pretty grim for the revolutionaries, and many feared that the British soldiers would triumph, Paine produced a series of pamphlets under the title American Crisis. The first of that series begins with words many still know by heart - “These are the times that try men’s souls.”
Tom Paine’s War tells the story of Thomas Paine, his early life, his two marriages, his career failures, and his blossoming as a “barroom debater” all while still in England. Then, his friendship with Benjamin Franklin, then residing in England, his emigration to America, his success there in magazine publishing, his friendship with George Washington, and the influence his words had on both the start of the revolution and it’s continuing momentum. The subtitle of the book is “The Words that Rallied a Nation”, and for once a book's subtitle is right on the money.
December 2, 2025
Book Review: Tom Paine’s War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time by Jack Kelly
Jack Kelly’s Tom Paine’s War promises a portrait of Thomas Paine, a recent immigrant firebrand whose pen helped ignite the Revolution. Instead, it offers a sweeping chronicle of the Revolutionary War itself. While Paine appears at intervals, his personality, motivations, and inner world remain just out of reach. I found myself longing for a fuller picture of the man whose words stirred a nation, a deeper sense of his humanity, his convictions, and although his earlier life showed the quiet forge where his ideas were shaped, somehow, his character did not emerge.
That said, Kelly’s narrative strength lies in his vivid evocation of war. His descriptions of the battles are striking, raw, unsentimental, and deeply human. The misery of marching soldiers, the hunger, the bitter cold, bloodied feet, and the courage wrung from weary hearts are rendered with such clarity that one almost hears the musket fire and feels the frozen ground beneath their feet. For readers who want an unflinching depiction of the brutality and cost of the Revolution, this book will not disappoint.
Yet Paine himself remains somewhat of a shadow. Though he served only as a private and held no influence in military strategy, his writings undeniably shaped morale and inspired resilience. I hoped Kelly would linger longer on the man behind Common Sense and The American Crisis, exploring how his pen helped steady wavering spirits and kindle revolutionary fervor.
Still, the book achieves its aim: it reveals how powerful ideas can move ordinary men to extraordinary endurance. By the final pages, I found myself eager, longing for the war to end, which is a testament to Kelly’s ability to draw readers into the struggle. With richer character development, especially of Paine, this work could have soared even higher.
Jack Kelly’s Tom Paine’s War promises a portrait of Thomas Paine, a recent immigrant firebrand whose pen helped ignite the Revolution. Instead, it offers a sweeping chronicle of the Revolutionary War itself. While Paine appears at intervals, his personality, motivations, and inner world remain just out of reach. I found myself longing for a fuller picture of the man whose words stirred a nation, a deeper sense of his humanity, his convictions, and although his earlier life showed the quiet forge where his ideas were shaped, somehow, his character did not emerge.
That said, Kelly’s narrative strength lies in his vivid evocation of war. His descriptions of the battles are striking, raw, unsentimental, and deeply human. The misery of marching soldiers, the hunger, the bitter cold, bloodied feet, and the courage wrung from weary hearts are rendered with such clarity that one almost hears the musket fire and feels the frozen ground beneath their feet. For readers who want an unflinching depiction of the brutality and cost of the Revolution, this book will not disappoint.
Yet Paine himself remains somewhat of a shadow. Though he served only as a private and held no influence in military strategy, his writings undeniably shaped morale and inspired resilience. I hoped Kelly would linger longer on the man behind Common Sense and The American Crisis, exploring how his pen helped steady wavering spirits and kindle revolutionary fervor.
Still, the book achieves its aim: it reveals how powerful ideas can move ordinary men to extraordinary endurance. By the final pages, I found myself eager, longing for the war to end, which is a testament to Kelly’s ability to draw readers into the struggle. With richer character development, especially of Paine, this work could have soared even higher.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I'm a huge fan of books about the American Revolution and was really excited to read this one because, as the author points out, Tom Paine isn't a name that's mentioned much when talking about how our nation was founded, but that's unfortunate because his role in the lead up to, and even during the war was essential.
This book is subtitled "The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time" for a reason. If you go into this book expecting a straight up biography of Tom Paine, you may be disappointed, but I'd suggest that you give it a chance. The book does talk about Tom Paine, his upbringing and the events that lead up to him coming to America from Britain, but when it starts to discuss how his words rallied the nation and turned apathy into action, you'll be hooked if you're anything like me. I couldn't put the book down when it started discussing Tom Paine's pamphlet that had such a huge influence over people who weren't sure whether we should enter into war or not, "Common Sense". I'm a history geek so maybe that's why discussing the pamphlet got me so fired up, but his words resonate today as much as they did back then. The author doesn't stop there, though. He talks about some of the battles that led to a disheartened nation that was about ready to call everything off when Tom Paine did what he did best, he wrote a second pamphlet, "The American Crisis," and he was able to sway public opinion back to the cause again. I, for one, was fascinated by Tom Paine's friendships with Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and how he influenced them and they influenced him.
All in all, as you may have noticed, I loved this book, and highly recommend it.
5/5 stars.
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jack Kelly for the opportunity to read and review Tom Paine's War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time.
This book is subtitled "The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time" for a reason. If you go into this book expecting a straight up biography of Tom Paine, you may be disappointed, but I'd suggest that you give it a chance. The book does talk about Tom Paine, his upbringing and the events that lead up to him coming to America from Britain, but when it starts to discuss how his words rallied the nation and turned apathy into action, you'll be hooked if you're anything like me. I couldn't put the book down when it started discussing Tom Paine's pamphlet that had such a huge influence over people who weren't sure whether we should enter into war or not, "Common Sense". I'm a history geek so maybe that's why discussing the pamphlet got me so fired up, but his words resonate today as much as they did back then. The author doesn't stop there, though. He talks about some of the battles that led to a disheartened nation that was about ready to call everything off when Tom Paine did what he did best, he wrote a second pamphlet, "The American Crisis," and he was able to sway public opinion back to the cause again. I, for one, was fascinated by Tom Paine's friendships with Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, and how he influenced them and they influenced him.
All in all, as you may have noticed, I loved this book, and highly recommend it.
5/5 stars.
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Jack Kelly for the opportunity to read and review Tom Paine's War: The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time.
December 9, 2025
A compelling story of a man who helped stir the passions for freedom through his plain-speaking and stirring pamphlets, Common Sense and The American Crisis, this book is a great read for our times. Tom Paine may be forgotten but without him, our precarious democracy would not have come into being.
The book not only deals with Paine, the writer, it also shows us Paine, the fighter and participant in the Revolutionary War. Many of the battles of this war come to life in the telling as well. New to America, having arrived just slightly before 1776, Paine embraced the notions of democracy from a long-standing conviction that no man was above the law, even a king, with the notion of monarchy being antithetical for any man who valued his freedom.
Most revealing - now undervalued or not known as Paine isn’t studied much - is Paine’s role in rallying the troops with his essay, The American Crisis (“These are the times that try men’s souls . . . .) The essay was read to all the troops under Washington’s orders because of its deeply impactful words (a copy can get found st the end of the book). It brought inspiration and unity.
The book is a great read for those starting out (or even who know a lot about this period) the search for the importance of our democracy. Part biography and part Revolutionary War history, the books brings to life the “soul” of what our founding fathers fought for. It’s also subtly shows that these men did not fight or die to put another king on the throne.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, St Martin’s Press, for allowing access to the ARC. Highly recommend.
The book not only deals with Paine, the writer, it also shows us Paine, the fighter and participant in the Revolutionary War. Many of the battles of this war come to life in the telling as well. New to America, having arrived just slightly before 1776, Paine embraced the notions of democracy from a long-standing conviction that no man was above the law, even a king, with the notion of monarchy being antithetical for any man who valued his freedom.
Most revealing - now undervalued or not known as Paine isn’t studied much - is Paine’s role in rallying the troops with his essay, The American Crisis (“These are the times that try men’s souls . . . .) The essay was read to all the troops under Washington’s orders because of its deeply impactful words (a copy can get found st the end of the book). It brought inspiration and unity.
The book is a great read for those starting out (or even who know a lot about this period) the search for the importance of our democracy. Part biography and part Revolutionary War history, the books brings to life the “soul” of what our founding fathers fought for. It’s also subtly shows that these men did not fight or die to put another king on the throne.
I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, St Martin’s Press, for allowing access to the ARC. Highly recommend.
January 6, 2026
Tom Paine’s War: The Words that Rallied a Nation and the Founder of Our Time by Jack Kelly. The Declaration of Independence is often seen as the American Revolution’s defining document. However, one man’s words in two essays which would appeal to Americans and fuel their fighting spirit. Thomas Paine was a recent immigrant and self-taught writer who saw beyond the simple fight against taxes and representation. His pamphlet “Common Sense” convinced Americans that the king had no divine right to rule over them and they could rule themselves which led to the Declaration of Independence. Paine would also enlist in the militia and witness the army defeats. It would be as he walked with the retreating troops that he wrote “The American Crisis,” which became the rallying cry to fight another day.
As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is approaching, Tom Paine’s War is an eye opening exploration into one man’s contribution to the founding of the nation. While I was aware of “Common Sense,” as I read and studied it in school and in college; however, I knew very little about the man who wrote it, especially his life after the war. Tom Paine’s War is more than a biography of Thomas Paine. It is a intertwining of one man’s arrival to a country already fighting and his observations helped put into words what Americans were feeling and willing to fight for with the details of the battles won and lost. Overall, I found Tom Paine’s War to be insightful and intriguing. If you enjoy American history, I highly recommend Tom Paine’s War.
Tom Paine’s War: The Words that Rallied a Nation and the Founder of Our Time
is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook
As the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution is approaching, Tom Paine’s War is an eye opening exploration into one man’s contribution to the founding of the nation. While I was aware of “Common Sense,” as I read and studied it in school and in college; however, I knew very little about the man who wrote it, especially his life after the war. Tom Paine’s War is more than a biography of Thomas Paine. It is a intertwining of one man’s arrival to a country already fighting and his observations helped put into words what Americans were feeling and willing to fight for with the details of the battles won and lost. Overall, I found Tom Paine’s War to be insightful and intriguing. If you enjoy American history, I highly recommend Tom Paine’s War.
Tom Paine’s War: The Words that Rallied a Nation and the Founder of Our Time
is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook
January 15, 2026
One of the many books to be published during America's 250th anniversary, Tom Paine's War uses the life and notable works of Thomas Paine to place and emphasize the important of his written work in the early days of the American Revolution.
Jack Kelly presents and expanded biography of Paine. Detailing his life in Britain working as a corset maker, tax man and sailor. Paine frequently lived by the economy of his hands, living rough when needed or traveling lightly. Paine arrived in America at the age of 37 and found work as a magazine editor, when he started writing is debated, but the experiences would lead to him becoming widely known as the author of the pamphlet Common Sense which is widely seen as one of the definitive documents of the Revolution and was widely read and distributed.
But to make the case for why this document and the later The American Crisis, Kelly details the American war campaign of 1776 and how unsettled and close to failure much of it remained but the fates of chance. Indeed, it covers the pivotal battles of Washington's retreat from New York to the eventual resurgence at Trenton.
Kelly details the battles, biographies the key figures and makes the lived history that much clearer in all its messiness and chaos. Overall a swift and engaging read, but suffers some in abrupt transitions
to provide background details that effect the reading flow.
A primer on Paine much more exciting and engaging than the staid narration of textbooks.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
Jack Kelly presents and expanded biography of Paine. Detailing his life in Britain working as a corset maker, tax man and sailor. Paine frequently lived by the economy of his hands, living rough when needed or traveling lightly. Paine arrived in America at the age of 37 and found work as a magazine editor, when he started writing is debated, but the experiences would lead to him becoming widely known as the author of the pamphlet Common Sense which is widely seen as one of the definitive documents of the Revolution and was widely read and distributed.
But to make the case for why this document and the later The American Crisis, Kelly details the American war campaign of 1776 and how unsettled and close to failure much of it remained but the fates of chance. Indeed, it covers the pivotal battles of Washington's retreat from New York to the eventual resurgence at Trenton.
Kelly details the battles, biographies the key figures and makes the lived history that much clearer in all its messiness and chaos. Overall a swift and engaging read, but suffers some in abrupt transitions
to provide background details that effect the reading flow.
A primer on Paine much more exciting and engaging than the staid narration of textbooks.
I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.
October 12, 2025
I have studied the American Civil War extensively, but have sadly read very much on the American Revolutionary War outside of some of the classics. I knew surprisingly very little about Tom Paine despite the critical role he played. When given the opportunity to preview this book, I jumped looking forward to expanding my knowledge. What I didn't expect were the parallels between 1776 and 2025, both are critical inflection points in our desire for democracy.
Tom Paine is the forgotten founder of our nation. Alexander Hamilton has his musical which has raised our consciousness of him, but Paine, has for the most part been forgotten. Jack Kelly in this marvelous short work does a great job to see Paine for who he was, a common man who saw and could articulate to the masses the critical inflection points that the country was facing.
He wasn't flamboyant like Jefferson, or Hamilton; instead he was a steady influence reporting on what was happening, and more importantly, what must happen if independence was to be a reality.
This book is much more about Paine's influence than his life, and that would be my biggest complaint. I felt like I knew the Tom Paine of 1776, but the rest of his life was almost an afterthought. I suppose because what Kelly wanted to emphasize was the influence that Paine had on the common person.
I enjoyed this book, and for good or bad, it left me wanting to know more. I highly recommend it to those whose hope is flagging in this current crisis.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
Tom Paine is the forgotten founder of our nation. Alexander Hamilton has his musical which has raised our consciousness of him, but Paine, has for the most part been forgotten. Jack Kelly in this marvelous short work does a great job to see Paine for who he was, a common man who saw and could articulate to the masses the critical inflection points that the country was facing.
He wasn't flamboyant like Jefferson, or Hamilton; instead he was a steady influence reporting on what was happening, and more importantly, what must happen if independence was to be a reality.
This book is much more about Paine's influence than his life, and that would be my biggest complaint. I felt like I knew the Tom Paine of 1776, but the rest of his life was almost an afterthought. I suppose because what Kelly wanted to emphasize was the influence that Paine had on the common person.
I enjoyed this book, and for good or bad, it left me wanting to know more. I highly recommend it to those whose hope is flagging in this current crisis.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
November 12, 2025
I love a book that informs and holds my attention and this certainly fits those two requirements. This is an amazing book that is fully documented. It really introduced Thomas Paine to me and brought to light much I did not know about the happenings before and during the early days of the Revolutionary War. I knew about the “Common Sense” articles but can honestly say I had not read them and knew very little of Thomas Paine’s writings and their affect on the public as the war began and progressed. I felt like I was actually attending the meetings and strategies that General George Washington was engaged in to plan each battle front. I highly recommend this book for people learning about the history of the war and wanting to learn the truth about it. The story is not one about the life of Thomas Paine as it is the story of his writings and how they inspired the patriots of new colonists. This nation owes a lot to him and the more I read the more I realized what his contribution was. As we look forward to the 250th Anniversary of our independence each one of u should be extremely grateful to this man and his writings. I appreciate the author’s vision at this very important time in the life of our country.
I wish to thank Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I wish to thank Net Galley and St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this book. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 4, 2025
I received an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my Goodreads page. It is out on January 6, 2026.
I’ve seen some criticism that this book is not a comprehensive biography of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, The American Crisis, and other seminal works. That’s true—but I’m not sure it was ever meant to be. The book, while offering substantial biographical context, is more accurately a history of Paine’s writings themselves—Common Sense and The American Crisis—and the turbulent era in which they were conceived, published, and embraced by the revolutionaries and soldiers they inspired.
Once you approach it with that understanding, the book becomes deeply engaging. I appreciated how it traced the revolutionary power of Common Sense in galvanizing independence, then shifted to the front lines to show how The American Crisis rekindled the spirit of a weary army during the bleak months that followed the Declaration. The blend of intellectual history and lived experience made for a compelling and human portrait of revolution in motion.
With the 250th anniversary of American independence approaching, this book stands out as a timely and insightful read—one that reminds us why Paine’s words still matter. I highly recommend it.
I’ve seen some criticism that this book is not a comprehensive biography of Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, The American Crisis, and other seminal works. That’s true—but I’m not sure it was ever meant to be. The book, while offering substantial biographical context, is more accurately a history of Paine’s writings themselves—Common Sense and The American Crisis—and the turbulent era in which they were conceived, published, and embraced by the revolutionaries and soldiers they inspired.
Once you approach it with that understanding, the book becomes deeply engaging. I appreciated how it traced the revolutionary power of Common Sense in galvanizing independence, then shifted to the front lines to show how The American Crisis rekindled the spirit of a weary army during the bleak months that followed the Declaration. The blend of intellectual history and lived experience made for a compelling and human portrait of revolution in motion.
With the 250th anniversary of American independence approaching, this book stands out as a timely and insightful read—one that reminds us why Paine’s words still matter. I highly recommend it.
January 17, 2026
We are coming up on the 250th birthday for America, and while I know a little bit about the revolution, and just watch the Ken Burns documentary, it's not my preferred time frame of study. I didn't even realize that Thomas Paine actually fought in the war, I just knew he wrote Common Sense that was a vital document for the rebels both in how they viewed themselves and then created their new nation.
This book is a good foundation for people like me who don't have as much of a knowledge of the era and the people who contributed to the Revolutionary War through the lens of one man who we all probably don't know beyond that one pamphlet he wrote that one time. It is meticulously documented and sourced and we hear from others who knew him, served with him, and were influenced by him. It also contains, aside from the full text of Rights of Man, many quotes, some of which we should probably look back on as we welcome our upcoming birthday as a nation and think of where we are at and where we are headed. Such as "when it shall be said in any country in the world, my poor are happy... my jails are empty... the aged are not in want... then may that country boast its constitution and its government."
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGall for the copy of this book to be provided for review.
This book is a good foundation for people like me who don't have as much of a knowledge of the era and the people who contributed to the Revolutionary War through the lens of one man who we all probably don't know beyond that one pamphlet he wrote that one time. It is meticulously documented and sourced and we hear from others who knew him, served with him, and were influenced by him. It also contains, aside from the full text of Rights of Man, many quotes, some of which we should probably look back on as we welcome our upcoming birthday as a nation and think of where we are at and where we are headed. Such as "when it shall be said in any country in the world, my poor are happy... my jails are empty... the aged are not in want... then may that country boast its constitution and its government."
Thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGall for the copy of this book to be provided for review.
October 9, 2025
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I had heard of Tom Paine and his writings during US history in high school but had no idea of the man and the importance of his work. His Common Sense came at a crucial time and convinced colonists to make a break with England when many thought reconciliation was the ultimate future. I did not know that pamphlet contained the revolutionary claim that the concept of the divine right of kings was a fraud. Paine again published an important work, The American Crisis, when Washington was in retreat and the future looked bleak. The text is included in an Appendix.
I appreciate learning Paine's history, how his experiences in England set the stage for his criticism of their governing ways. He enlisted in the militia, putting action to his words. We are taken through to the end of his life when his reputation ended up tarnished.
Kelly has done tons of research and journal reading to present an account of the Revolutionary War that made me feel like I was in the midst of the action. This is a good book to read as the USA approaches celebrating 250 years of history.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
I appreciate learning Paine's history, how his experiences in England set the stage for his criticism of their governing ways. He enlisted in the militia, putting action to his words. We are taken through to the end of his life when his reputation ended up tarnished.
Kelly has done tons of research and journal reading to present an account of the Revolutionary War that made me feel like I was in the midst of the action. This is a good book to read as the USA approaches celebrating 250 years of history.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Book Review - Non fiction - History
I just finished Tom Paine’s War - The Words that Rallied a Nation and the Founder for our Time by Jack Kelly and here are my musings.
I don’t know a lot about American history but 1776 is a year I recognize. A country fighting for its independence…. FIST PUMP!
What I didn’t know was anything about Tom Paine. He wrote a pamphlet called Common sense.. Something I see a lot of people without lately and he convinced people they could rule themselves.
He didn't just write, he fought on the ground…
I had no idea all the information I learned reading this book about how America started out its baby steps into independence and I have to say it was impressive!
When did we as a civilization get so compliant? These men fought for America's future and we allow the cuff to be tightened all the time in the name of security.
It was an eye opening book. I really enjoyed the writing and the whole tone of the book. It was well researched and I was thoroughly entertained.
It’s a really good starter book if you want to dip your toe into the revolutionary war!
4 stars
Thank you @stamartinspress for my gifted copy.
Out jan 6th… Oh that date… Nice timing haha
I just finished Tom Paine’s War - The Words that Rallied a Nation and the Founder for our Time by Jack Kelly and here are my musings.
I don’t know a lot about American history but 1776 is a year I recognize. A country fighting for its independence…. FIST PUMP!
What I didn’t know was anything about Tom Paine. He wrote a pamphlet called Common sense.. Something I see a lot of people without lately and he convinced people they could rule themselves.
He didn't just write, he fought on the ground…
I had no idea all the information I learned reading this book about how America started out its baby steps into independence and I have to say it was impressive!
When did we as a civilization get so compliant? These men fought for America's future and we allow the cuff to be tightened all the time in the name of security.
It was an eye opening book. I really enjoyed the writing and the whole tone of the book. It was well researched and I was thoroughly entertained.
It’s a really good starter book if you want to dip your toe into the revolutionary war!
4 stars
Thank you @stamartinspress for my gifted copy.
Out jan 6th… Oh that date… Nice timing haha
Read
December 22, 2025I received an advance reading copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.com in return for a fair review. Whenever I think of patriot Tom Paine, I think of 'Common Sense'--probably one of the most famous pieces of writing in American History. Beyond that, I knew very little about the man. Author Jack Kelly remedied that in this well-researched and well-written book. By trade, Tom Paine was a staymaker (part of lady's undergarments back in the day) as was his father before him. Born in England, he did not arrive in the colonies until he was in his thirties. Far from wealthy, he had no real direction or ambition until he found that his words could stir a nation. Kelly writes in a friendly manner (not textbook style) and makes the whole journey through Paine's life interesting and personable. The Revolutionary War era is always fascinating and although Tom Paine's name is a familiar one, his life before, during, and after the war makes a great tale. Never a dull moment with Mr. Paine. I highly recommend this book to readers who like history, the colonial era, and just a plain good read.
January 18, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital copy of this book; I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Teddy Roosevelt called Thomas Paine a “fithy little atheist,” and honestly, I love that for him. He was a true radical, and his pamphlet, Common Sense, inspired the Patriot Cause. Thomas Jefferson essentially cribbed Paine’s writing as he formed the Declaration of Independence.
Tom Paine’s War is just the sort of American political history I enjoy reading about. Right on the heels of Ken Burns’ American Revolution documentary comes this exploration of the Founding Father who put the colonies grievances to paper. I will at times admit that I would have preferred a straight biography instead of a traditional historical analysis, but I still enjoyed the read. Having the PBS show on in the background while I read the book, which focuses more on the Revolution than the man, really complemented the read.
Words matter. Rhetoric matters. How people interpret words matter. That sentiment hits home at a time when ramped up words and rhetoric are driving our nation apart. Thomas Paine’s voice was at the heart of the American cause.
Teddy Roosevelt called Thomas Paine a “fithy little atheist,” and honestly, I love that for him. He was a true radical, and his pamphlet, Common Sense, inspired the Patriot Cause. Thomas Jefferson essentially cribbed Paine’s writing as he formed the Declaration of Independence.
Tom Paine’s War is just the sort of American political history I enjoy reading about. Right on the heels of Ken Burns’ American Revolution documentary comes this exploration of the Founding Father who put the colonies grievances to paper. I will at times admit that I would have preferred a straight biography instead of a traditional historical analysis, but I still enjoyed the read. Having the PBS show on in the background while I read the book, which focuses more on the Revolution than the man, really complemented the read.
Words matter. Rhetoric matters. How people interpret words matter. That sentiment hits home at a time when ramped up words and rhetoric are driving our nation apart. Thomas Paine’s voice was at the heart of the American cause.
November 20, 2025
Tom Paine's War
By Jack Kelly
If you are a student of history, you will enjoy Mr. Kelly's works. His books generally revolve around the American Revolution – events leading up to it and everything that took place to win Americans their freedom from British rule.
But Tom Paine of the title – the author of "Common Sense", a pamphlet which convinced many of his countrymen to break with England – is just one character whose point of view shapes this book. From the self-doubt and indecision of George Washington to the day-to-day and battle-to-battle experiences to the common soldiers, their stories are told in their own words. The fear and shame of the continuous retreats, the deprivations of even the basics needed for survival – these firsthand accounts bring the horrors up close and personal.
Mr. Kelly is a master at this sort of storytelling. For the history buff this book is a must read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
By Jack Kelly
If you are a student of history, you will enjoy Mr. Kelly's works. His books generally revolve around the American Revolution – events leading up to it and everything that took place to win Americans their freedom from British rule.
But Tom Paine of the title – the author of "Common Sense", a pamphlet which convinced many of his countrymen to break with England – is just one character whose point of view shapes this book. From the self-doubt and indecision of George Washington to the day-to-day and battle-to-battle experiences to the common soldiers, their stories are told in their own words. The fear and shame of the continuous retreats, the deprivations of even the basics needed for survival – these firsthand accounts bring the horrors up close and personal.
Mr. Kelly is a master at this sort of storytelling. For the history buff this book is a must read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
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