Few books or pamphlets have had as much influence on the course of human history as Thomas Paine's Common Sense. The Declaration of Independence severed political bonds with England; but it was Paine's dynamic pamphlet that conceptualized the idea of unity and freedom months before Thomas Jefferson put pen to parchment. Paine's publication energized a vast number of colonists to embark on a long and bloody war that imperiled their livelihoods and dismantled their cultural identity-all in the hope of creating a new nation constructed upon the concepts of liberty and independence. Although many people know of Tom Paine and his famous Common Sense; the historic pamphlet has not been readily accessible or widely read. But it needs to be; because it is one of our nation's most important founding documents.Fifth-grade history teacher Mark Wilensky rectifies this oversight with the publication of The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine: An Interactive Adaptation for All Ages. This remarkable interactive version is adapted for young and old alike; and makes Paine's words and the concepts he espoused widely available to everyone.Wilensky's interactive Common Sense offers a rich array of colonial history sprinkled with audio; video; and text graphics linked to a dynamic online website. This adaptation includes the original Common Sense; a new adapted version in plain language everyone can understand today; an extensive chronology of important pre-revolutionary events leading up to the publication of Paine's pamphlet; and adapted versions of the Olive Branch Petition; A Proclamation For Suppressing Rebellion And Sedition; and the Boston Port Act. Wilensky also includes a wide variety of insights on colonial coins and mercantilism; and many humorous illustrations designed to convey the important concepts of independence and liberty. Instructors and parents will especially appreciate Wilensky's decision to include supplementary materials such as teaching plans for classroom and home schooling use. These include a wide variety of activities to engage students; all based on National Curriculum Standards.Colonial America was a continent with multiple cultures and customs spanning vast geographic distances. Tom Paine's amazing persuasive essay Common Sense unified these seemingly conflicting characteristics into the most remarkable nation ever founded in the history of mankind. The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine will reignite the ardor of our Founding Fathers for a new generation.REVIEWS". . . a wonderfully useful modern-day adaptation for classroom educators." - HistoryTeacher.org (Society for History Education) "Wilensky; a fifth grade teacher; really knows his stuff. He makes material that is as dry as bone fun to read; and the information on the Web site adds extra depth. . . . anyone teaching American History; either in a classroom or as a home-schooling parent; will want this book on hand." - Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)"The pamphlet that inspired a revolution. "The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine" deeply explores the historic work of Thomas Paine and elaborates on its importance for younger readers. Chapters outline the history surrounding the pre-publication and post-publication of the work. With illustrations to make Paine's points clear to young people; "The Elementary Common Sense of Thomas Paine" is a fine introduction to Paine's legendary pamphlet; and highly recommended." - Midwest Book Review"This book has the potential to encourage youth to become fiercely American in a way similar to that of the revolutionaries who founded this great country. This adaptation is a most readable text." - Eclectic Homeschool Association
#4096195 in Books 2014-07-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x .51 x 5.98l; .74 #File Name: 1929919557224 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Concise History of the 22nd Iowa in One Easy to Read BookBy William BozicThe 22nd Iowa volunteer infantry saw combat at Wilson's Creek; Vicksburg; Grand Gulf; Magnolia Hills; Champion Hill;Big Black River Bridge; Port Hudson; the Shenandoah Valley Campaign; Cedar Creek; and occupation duty in Georgia. Although no major famous battles were fought by the 22nd in Texas; it saw active duty November 1863- April 29 1864 along the Texas Gulf Coast yet the period in Texas has minimal coverage compared to the chapters devoted to Vicksburg and Shenandoah campaigns which comprise the majority of the book.The author Thomas P McKenna is a former department commander of the Sons of Union Veterans and a descendent of a soldier in the 22nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry; as well as a decorated combat veteran of the Vietnam War. The author has wisely chosen to include a glossary of military terms; notes; a selected bibliography. credits; and an index. There are both campaign and battle maps showing the movements and locations of the 22nd Iowa and other units on the field of battle; so if someone has an ancestor in this regiment he or she could get the basic locations easily.The beauty of this book is the fact that the author has taken the numerous printed diaries; as well as official records; and blended them into a compact abridged history of the unit. Most of the book deals with major combat the Vicksburg and Shenandoah Valley campaigns. Not many Confederate sources are used; but this can be understood because the author is trying to tell the story from a Northern perspective.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. The smell of leaves and smoke. The taste of blood and dirt and powder. Sounds you never want to hear.By JEDThomas McKenna has crafted a great book to pore over when you're not in a hurry. This is a story told largely in the first-person through artifacts dug up by the author in what must have been years of research--diary entrees; military logs; letters from the wives left behind with their doubts...and the cold. Sure; there are excellent maps and battle set-up to help the reader frame the events from a birds-eye view; but you can't help but imagine the mental discipline exerted by the individual soldier to stay on task: "...On the edge of a low ridge we saw a solid wall of men in gray; their muskets at their shoulders blazing into our faces and their batteries of artillery roaring as if it were the end of the world. Bravely they stood there. they seemed a little over a hundred yards away. there was no charging further by our line. We halted; the two lines stood still and for over an hour we loaded our guns and killed each other as fast as we could. the firing and noise seemed to take all my fear away and gave me courage enough to calmly load my musket at the muzzle and fire it forty times"..."The awful roar of battle grew more terrific; if possible"..."biting the ends off my cartridges; my mouth was filled with gunpowder; the thirst was intolerable"I've had this book close at hand for months now; as I can't resist picking it up from time to time to flip through the author's notes and extensive bibliography; connecting them back to the events read again for deeper understanding. An infantry officer distinguished in combat in Vietnam; McKenna has a keen eye for the details; grit and emotional cues that bring the reader into the moment. I also appreciate an appendix in which he talks a little bit about some of his sources and research methods. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this handsome book in hardcover; as you'll refer to it often. I also believe the author has a few other books available.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. AN EXCELLENT READBy Virginia GageFor anyone looking for a complete history of the 22nd Iowa Volunteer Infantry in the Civil War; or for anyone just wanting a top notch regimental history and darn good story; this is the book for you. The author; Thomas P. McKenna; has done a most thorough job of research for this book. One of the things that I enjoyed most in this manuscript are the quotes from the letters and diaries of the men who were there. An excellent read for anyone looking for the soldier's story.
