Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine, revolutionary and philosopher, whose bicentenary fell in 2009.

We have published a number of different titles concerned with this great man. These Are The Times: A Life of Thomas Paine is an original screenplay by Trevor Griffiths, which follows Tom Paine from persecution in England, to the American War of Independence, to Revolutionary France. It has recently been adapted for theatre and A New World makes its premiere at Shakespeare's Globe this summer (29th August - 9th October).

Another recent publication is Thomas Paine: In Search of the Common Good. The book offers reflections on his life and writings by a group of experts and specialists who came together at a Thomas Paine Colloquium held at the United Nations in New York.

All these titles and more can be found below.

Thomas Paine Events

Thomas Paine died in Greenwich Village 200 years ago this week, a long way from Thetford in Norfolk, where he grew up and worked as a young stay-maker. There are celebrations already under way around the country to remember him, some of which are listed below:

London

29TH AUGUST - 9TH OCTOBER AT SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE
The much loved and greatly respected writer Trevor Griffiths (Comedians, Reds) fills this moving story of the life and loves of the author of The Rights of Man with songs, music and the huge carnival spirit of a world turned upside down.

In association with Richard Attenborough.

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/theatre/annualtheatreseason/anewworld/


11th SEPTEMBER 2009 AT SHAKESPEARE'S GLOBE.
Playwright Trevor Griffiths joins a public panel discussion to explore the writing and staging of A New World, his drama set during the late eighteenth century and inspired by the life of Thomas Paine.

Discussion starts at 6pm, a performance of the play follows at 7.30pm.

http://www.shakespeares-globe.org/globeeducation/publicevents/talksandlectures/

Norfolk

13th JUNE 2009 AT DISS UTD REFORM CHURCH
Trevor Griffiths talks about These Are The Times, reads from the script and discusses it with the audience. An unmissable evening at Diss URC. Tickets £5 from Diss Lib & TIC.

Tickets £5 from Diss Lib & TIC.

Contact: Basil Abbot e: dissmuseum@lineone.net | t: (01379) 650618

http://dissconnected.net/Members/Bas/these-are-the-times


19TH SEPTEMBER - 7TH NOVEMBER, THETFORD
Tom Paine 200 Autumn Lecture Series.

For more details please visit: http://www.tompaine200.org.uk/

Sussex

4TH - 14TH JULY, LEWES
Paine lived and wrote for some time in Lewes which is holding a festival around Paine's stay.

For more details please visit: http://www.thomaspaineandlewes.com/

Bristol

7TH JUNE AT ST WERBAUGHS CITY FARM
Toast Paine's memory with stories round the bonfire, cider, pikes and guillotines.

For more details please visit: http://www.brh.org.uk/spring2009/paine1.html


8TH JUNE AT ST MARY REDCLIFFE SCOUT HUT
Talk by radical historian Peter Clark questioning why this British thinker is fêted more in France and the United States than in his native land.

For more details please visit: http://www.brh.org.uk/spring2009/paine2.html

Manchester

Date to be announced - Thomas Paine Collection from the Working Class Movement Library Salford/Manchester.
A Special exhibition beginning in the fall.

For more information see: Working Class Movement Library. http://www.wcml.org.uk/

Links and Resources