In 'Thomas Paine,' Robert Green Ingersoll presents a tour de force portrayal of one of the most influential figures in American and European history. With a scintillating prose style, Ingersoll crafts a robust narrative that elucidates the profound impact Paine had on the political landscape. This work transcends the boundaries of a mere biography by analyzing the interplay of revolutionary ideas and the titanic will required to promulgate them. The book situates Paine within the literary context of advocating secular democracy and the fight against the 'mailed hosts of superstition,' echoing key themes of Enlightenment thought with a clear, compelling voice that resonates through its scholarly examination of Paine's life and legacy.Renowned as a fervent advocate of reason and a stalwart opponent of dogmatic belief, Ingersoll himself personified the spirit of inquiry and rationalism that he attributes to Paine. A prolific orator and the preeminent figure in the golden age of freethought, Ingersoll's insights into Paine's character are undoubtedly shaped by his own experiences as a public intellectual and his battles against the religious orthodoxy of his time. This alignment of Ingersoll and Paine's intellectual trajectories imbues the text with an authenticity and depth that vividly captures the zeitgeist of an era on the cusp of modernity.Scholars and enthusiasts of history alike will find 'Thomas Paine' to be a compelling read that not only contextualizes a revolutionary thinker but also acts as a reflective piece on the milieu that allows for such individuals to exist and thrive. Ingersoll's work is indeed an homage to all 'brave and thoughtful' creators of history. It is a must-read for those who cherish the tenets of freedom and intellectual curiosity, as well as for anyone interested in the pivotal role played by Thomas Paine in shaping modern democratic ideas.

Robert Green Ingersoll, known as 'The Great Agnostic', was an illustrious American orator, lawyer, and freethinker of the 19th century, born on August 11, 1833, in Dresden, New York. An advocate for civil rights and secularism, Ingersoll rose to prominence through his eloquent speeches, advocating for scientific realism, and criticizing superstition and orthodoxy. Notably revered for his profound rhetorical skills, he used his platform to promote progressive causes and the separation of church and state. His enthusiasm for humanism and reason is encapsulated in his acclaimed lecture on Thomas Paine, which he delivered to audiences across the country, praising Paine's pivotal contributions to American independence and his championing of reason and liberty. Ingersoll's work on Thomas Paine was not only a critique of the mistreatment and historical neglect Paine had suffered but also a celebration of Enlightenment ideals. Ingersoll's influence extended into the realm of literature, where his prose and speeches contributed to the American free thought movement. He authored several essays and lectures about Paine, collected in his works such as 'The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll,' highlighting Paine's rationalistic and deistic beliefs which profoundly resonated with Ingersoll's own intellectual pursuits. Through his promotion of secular thought and free expression, Ingersoll left an indelible mark on American intellectual history.