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Thomas Paine
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Legacy of Thomas Paine

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Written by
Philip S. Foner
Professor of History, Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, 1967–79. Editor of The Complete Writings of Thomas Paine.
Philip S. Foner
Fact-checked by
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
Last Updated: • Article History
Quick Facts
Born:
January 29, 1737, Thetford, Norfolk, England
Died:
June 8, 1809, New York, New York, U.S.
Awards And Honors:
Hall of Fame (1945)
Role In:
American Revolution
Thomas Paine
Thomas PaineThomas Paine, painting after a portrait by George Romney; in the collection of the American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts. 41.59 cm × 36.51 cm.

At Paine’s death most U.S. newspapers reprinted the obituary notice from the New York Citizen, which read in part: “He had lived long, did some good and much harm.” This remained the verdict of history for more than a century following his death, but the tide has turned: on January 30, 1937, The Times of London referred to him as “the English Voltaire,” and on May 18, 1952, Paine’s bust was placed in the New York University Hall of Fame.

Philip S. Foner