This page offers a snapshot of the reactions and responses to Common Sense, and Paine more generally, that make clear how much controversy he and his work aroused. Both visually and textually, Paine was lionized and vilified as he became an icon synonymous with the ideas he advocated for.
In 2026, “going viral” refers to a piece of content spreading rapidly across the Internet and into common parlance, becoming a widespread sensation or defining a cultural moment. In 1776, Common Sense did just that – without the Internet.
The William L. Clements Library holds 58 editions of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense: Addressed to the Inhabitants of America. Upon the 250th anniversary of its January 1776 publication, one might ask: Why so many?
Explore collections from the Manuscripts and Graphics Divisions made available this month!
The Manuscripts Division has published one final batch of finding aids for 2025! These materials span a variety of subjects including the Civil War and military history, automobiles, crime, tailoring, and newspaper advertising. As always, these collections are available for anyone to research!
Welcome to the very first edition of “A Day in the Life at The Clements Library!” Today, we meet with Jayne Ptolemy, Associate Curator of Manuscripts.
The Clements Library Manuscripts Division has published eight new finding aids for collections ranging from scrapbooks to financial records. These handwritten materials are now available for anyone to research!
