An America250 Event - Author talk and Q&A with

Jack Kelly, Author of Tom Paine's War

The Words That Rallied a Nation and the Founder for Our Time

In 1776, one man’s words—and the determination of American patriots—helped our nation survive its first crisis.  Two hundred fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence marked America's birth, but Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, published January 10, 1776, deeply influenced Americans by rejecting monarchy and aristocracy, inspiring rebellion. Paine then joined the military. His following bestselling pamphlet was The American Crisis, which rallied citizens and soldiers to “The Cause.” During the “…times that tried men’s souls.” His words and beliefs continue to resonate in America’s ongoing story of resilience.  Susan Jacoby, author of Freethinkers, says, "Jack Kelly has taken on the task of reviving Paine's reputation for a new generation. In Tom Paine's War, a lively and detailed examination of the pamphlet "Common Sense," which played a key role in starting the American Revolution. There could scarcely be a more timely book."

JACK KELLY is an award-winning author and historian. His books include Band of Giants, which received the DAR History Medal, and God Save Benedict Arnold, a Finalist for the New England Book Awards. He has published five novels and is a New York Foundation for the Arts fellow in Nonfiction Literature. Kelly has appeared on The History Channel, National Public Radio, and C-Span. He resides in New York's Hudson Valley.

Admission: Tax-Deductible Donations $20 Adults $5 Children under Age 12

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The author will autograph and inscribe copies of Tom Paine’s War immediately following. A portion of the proceeds of book sales will also benefit PJS