The Life of Thomas Paine: Movie and Discussion at Bernardsville Library

Take a journey back in time to the American Revolutionary War period. Thomas Paine was perhaps the most radical figure of the day, a man who is largely forgotten and greatly misunderstood today. On Saturday, November 19 at 3:00 pm at Bernardsville Public Library, we'll watch a video of a one-man play starring Ian Ruskin as Thomas Paine, “To Begin the World Over Again: The Life of Thomas Paine,” and then learn about Paine’s importance to the American Revolution from Michael Rockland, Professor of American Studies at Rutgers University. Prof. Rockland is the author of fourteen books, mostly on American society and culture. His latest books are "Navy Crazy" and "An American Diplomat in Franco Spain."

Prof. Rockland says that Paine is sometimes considered "a professional revolutionary," and he will also discuss Paine’s role agitating in the French Revolution, and contrast the goals and immediate outcomes of the American and French Revolutions.

There is no charge to attend the program, but advance sign-up is requested. Register online at www.bernardsvillelibrary.org and follow the link from Adult Programs, or call the library at 908-766-0118 to sign up.