Common SenseCommon Sense
Score Classic
What it's about
In January 1776, as American colonists argued over whether to make peace with Britain, an English immigrant named Thomas Paine published a short pamphlet. In plain, fiery language it attacked the very idea of kings and argued that America should declare independence immediately. It was read aloud in taverns and army camps across the colonies.
Why it's worth reading
It's on the Guardian's list of the best nonfiction of all time and sold in enormous numbers for its time. It helped turn Americans toward independence months before the Declaration.
You'll love it if you liked
1776
A Modest Proposal
The Autobiography of Benjamin FranklinGood to know
It's short, under fifty pages. Its 18th-century style is clear for its time.
By the numbers
- Readers46 out of 100 · counts 42%
- Critics51 out of 100 · counts 34% (its stronger lane)
- Bestseller16 out of 100 · counts 14%
- Buzz0 out of 100 · counts 10%
Critics and Bestseller are two ways to earn a place: a book's stronger one counts more. Buzz rewards recent bestseller weeks and prizes, so older books start at zero. The parts combine into the Must-Read Score, shown on a scale where the best book we found scores 99 and the last book to make the ranking scores 50.
Where it ranks
Why it made the list
Reads as
True story, Thought-provoking
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Quick answers
Is Common Sense worth reading?
Yes. It's on the Guardian's list of the best nonfiction of all time and sold in enormous numbers for its time. It ranks #1,488 of the 2,816 books in our ranking, with a Must-Read Score of 68.4 (the best book we found scores 99).
What is Common Sense about?
In January 1776, as American colonists argued over whether to make peace with Britain, an English immigrant named Thomas Paine published a short pamphlet. In plain, fiery language it attacked the very idea of kings and argued that America should declare independence immediately. It was read aloud in taverns and army camps across the colonies.
How long does it take to read Common Sense?
About 2 hours (72 pages), or about 4 days at 30 minutes a day.
What should I read after Common Sense?
If you liked it, try 1776 by David McCullough, A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift or The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin.