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The Age Of Reason

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1794

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Book Brief

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Thomas Paine

The Age Of Reason

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1794
Book Details
Pages

184

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1794

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason is a three-part work published in 1794, 1795, and 1807, advocating Deism and rejecting major monotheistic religions by critiquing the Old and New Testaments. Emphasizing the pursuit of truth through natural philosophy (science), Paine argues that religious texts are fraudulent and promotes Deism as consistent with the spirit of the era's political upheavals. The book contains strong critiques of Judaism and Christianity that some readers may find offensive or sensitive.

Informative

Contemplative

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.3

10,905 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Thomas Paine's The Age of Reason garners mixed reviews: praised for its clear, rational critique of organized religion and promotion of deism, it also faces criticism for perceived oversimplification and historical inaccuracies. While some appreciate its bold, provocative stance, others find it repetitive and lacking theological nuance. Overall, it remains a significant, though polarizing, Enlightenment work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Age Of Reason?

A reader who enjoys The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine is likely an enthusiast of Enlightenment philosophy, rationalism, and religious critique. Comparable to fans of Voltaire's Candide and John Locke's An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, they appreciate works questioning established dogmas and advocating for intellectual liberty.

4.3

10,905 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

184

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Publication Year

1794

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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