The years 1791 and 1792 saw the appearance of numerous editions.of Paine's Rights of Man, including many that were pirated, cheaply published, and seriously defective. This variety of page layouts appears to have garbled Paine's infrequent references to page numbers of his original text--such as "in the manner mentioned on page..." or "as alluded to on page...". Where the author's page reference is no longer unquestionable--but, instead, causes more confusion than clarity-- the present edition substitutes either a bracketed page number--such as "[60?]"--or, more generally, the bracketed phrase "[elsewhere in this text]."

One of the most influential writers and reformers of his age, Thomas Paine successfully publicized the issues of his time in pamphlets that clearly and persuasively argued for political independence and social reform. Rights of Man, his greatest and most widely read work, is considered a classic statement of faith in democracy and egalitarianism.

The first part of this document, dedicated to George Washington,appeared in 1791. Defending the early events of the French Revolution,it spoke on behalf of democracy, equality and a new European order.Part Two, which appeared the following year, is perhaps Paine"s finest example of political pamphleteering and an exemplary work that supported social security for workers, public employment for those in need of work, abolition of laws limiting wages, and other social reforms.

Written in the language of common speech, Rights of Man was a sensation in the United States, defended by many who agreed with Paine"s defense of republican government; but in Britain, it was labeled by Parliament as highly seditious, causing the government to suppress it and prosecute the British-born Paine for treason.

Regarded by historian E. P. Thompson as the "foundation-text for the English working-class movement," this much-read and much-studied book remains an inspiring, rational work that paved the way for the growth and development of radical traditions in American and British society.

           PART ONE

To George Washington

Preface to the English Edition

Rights of Man

Declaration of the Rights of Man and of Citizens,

by the National Assembly of France

Observations on the Declaration of Rights

Miscellaneous Chapter

Conclusion

           PART TWO

To M. de Lafayette

Preface

Introduction

1. Of Society and Civilization

2. Of the Origin of the Present Old Governments

3. Of the Old and New Systems of Government

4. Of Constitutions

5. Ways and Means of Improving the Condition

  of Europe, Interspersed with

  Miscellaneous Observations

Appendix