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Courtesy of David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
Courtesy of David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
Common Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America…
Courtesy of David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection

Common Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America…

Artifact IDTL 2026.1.37
Object Type Document
Date 1776
Author (English, 1737 - 1809)
Printer (American, active 1755 - 1775)
Printer
Place MadeBoston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Medium pamphlet
DimensionsOverall W 7 1/2 in x D 8 3/4 in (19.1 cm x 22.2 cm)
Physical DescriptionCommon Sense; Addressed to the Inhabitants of America [. . .] (Boston: Edes and Gill, 1776). First Boston printing.



Historical NoteOn Jan. 10, 1776, revolutionary writer and intellectual Thomas Paine anonymously published a small pamphlet that would end up having a huge impact on the colonial world. The publication, titled Common Sense, was widely read across the North American colonies, and continues to influence many thinkers and activists today. Paine claimed that within a few months 120,000 copies were printed.In the pamphlet, Paine introduced two ideas that would have a tremendous effect on American politics: First, independence from the British Empire, and second, that an independent nation could be ruled by the people.
Additional Details
Credit LineCourtesy of the David M. Rubenstein Americana Collection
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesPolitical Memorabilia (National Archives Identifier 1677287)
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - FullyUse Restriction NoteThe use of this image and document information is fully restricted. Reproduction in any manner is not allowed.
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