Freedom was Tom Paine's concern. His life and pen were dedicated to its cause and gave shape and direction to democracy in America.  As editor and pamphleteer, as fighter and political crusader, he stirred up the people and gave hope to a discouraged American army through the eight years of the Revolution.  His writings were their gospels, and have come down to us with a stirring meaning for our own time.  Here, for our guidance, are the most important works of Tom Paine, edited and interpreted by Howard Fast. They include Common Sense, The Crisis Papers, Rights of Man, The Age of Reason, and the famous Letter to Washington. The running commentaries by Howard Fast throw new light on the life and work of the man who first gave voice to the ideals of the Republic.  To complete the picture, this volume contains Howard Fast's magnificent historical novel. Citizen Tom Paine. Written with passionate conviction, it upholds the banner of freedom raised by Tom Paine. It goes straight to the heart of American history.