Rights of Man

British-born political activist Thomas Paine wrote the 31 essays in Rights of Man in response to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France, an attack on the outcomes of the French Revolution. Paine argues that revolution is acceptable-in fact, necessary-when government ignores the rights of its people. He also claims that citizens, simply by virtue of being human, deserve a say in their affairs and have the right to create a new democratic government. Published in 1791, Rights of Man proved very popular in the newly liberated United States and has since played a major role in shaping many of the freedoms and institutions we see today. Book jacket.