Book Info enlarge picture Common Sense   Author: Thomas Paine ISBN: 0486296024 Format: Publish Date:                  Book Review Enormously popular and widely read pamphlet, first published in January of 1776, clearly and persuasively argues for American separation from Great Britain and paves the way for the Declaration of Independence. Credited with having changed the minds of many, the highly influential landmark document attacks the monarchy, cites the evils of government and combines idealism with practical economic concerns.