[PAINE, Thomas (1737-1809).] Common Sense; with the Whole Appendix: The Address to the Quakers. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by R. Bell, [February/March] 1776. [Bound with:] [DANA, Samuel, attrib.] Essay on Political Society. Philadelphia: Printed...

[PAINE, Thomas (1737-1809).] Common Sense; with the Whole Appendix: The Address to the Quakers. Philadelphia: Printed and sold by R. Bell, [February/March] 1776. [Bound with:] [DANA, Samuel, attrib.] Essay on Political Society. Philadelphia: Printed by William Young, 1800.

The 1776 third edition of Common Sense, published about two months after the first edition and with Bell's unauthorized printing of the Additions. The most complete text of Common Sense, with the typesetting for the main work in mixed state between second and third editions and the Additions in first edition, second issue. "Paine's Common Sense, published anonymously in January, 1776, was the first vigorous attack on King George, a 'hardened, sullen-tempered Pharoah,' Paine called him, and the first public appeal for an American Republic. It is not too much to say that the Declaration of Independence of July 4, 1776, was due more to Paine's Common Sense than to any other single piece of writing" (Grolier American 14). Paine refused to copyright the work, so that it could spread rapidly through the country. Robert Bell was the first publisher of Common Sense in January but Paine quickly fell out with him and gave the Additions to his competitor William Bradford. Bell audaciously printed these anyway in this, his first complete edition, advertised on March 19, 1776 as "lately printed, published and now selling." There is a leaf present before the Dialogue (which is not thought to have been authored by Paine) headed "Robert Bell, Bookseller, to the Public, Self-defence against unjust attacks needs no apology."

At least 16 editions were printed in Philadelphia alone that year, as well as many in other cities, including London. "Most English editions deleted the many aspersions on King and Government" (Howes). "The decision to declare independence was not an easy one. Americans were tied by kinship, culture and commerce to England ... During the winter of 1775-1776, many Americans remained confused by recent events and uncertain about what action the colonies ought to take ... In a crisp, vigorous style, Paine told Americans what they had been waiting to hear. In a few short pages he summarized the case against the institution of monarchy and presented an argument for American independence that was elegantly yet so simply stated that it could be understood by nearly every American" (A Covenanted People, 27). Gimbel CS-9 (including CS-4 and CS-6).

Two works bound in one volume, octavo (197 x 116mm). Three section titles to Common Sense, being: Common Sense; Large Additions to Common Sense; and A Dialogue between the Ghost of General Montgomery just arrived from the Elysian Fields; and an American Delegate, in a Wood. (Few minor spots, first two titles with neat marginal reinforcement, without general half-title, final leaf of the anonymous Dialogue in inconspicuous facsimile, Dana's Essay lacking a blank.) Modern quarter calf antique. Provenance: Dr. George Smith (1804-1882, Pennsylvania judge; bookplate).

Pre-Lot Text
PROPERTY OF A PRIVATE COLLECTOR IN TEXAS