Edmund Burke

Thomas Paine

Burke and Paine were fierce ideological opponents, with Burke's conservative critique of the French Revolution directly countered by Paine's radical defense in 'Rights of Man'.

Thomas Rickman

Burke interacted frequently with Rickman, likely as a political associate or publisher contact during the pamphlet wars of the 1790s.

King John

Burke's high number of interactions with King John suggests a formal political or advisory relationship, possibly as a critic or commentator on royal authority.

William Pitt

Burke and Pitt were fellow parliamentarians and political figures, often engaging in debates or alliances within British government circles.

Count de Broglie

The Count de Broglie and Burke likely moved in overlapping diplomatic or intellectual circles, discussing revolutionary politics.

Henry Laurens

Burke and Laurens interacted as political figures, possibly discussing American independence or transatlantic diplomacy.

Jean Sylvain Bailly

Burke and Bailly interacted as political thinkers and figures, with Bailly as a French revolutionary leader and Burke as a critic of the Revolution.

King John

Burke's high number of interactions with King John suggests a formal political or advisory relationship, possibly as a critic or commentator on royal authority.

Thomas Paine

Burke and Paine were fierce ideological opponents, with Burke's conservative critique of the French Revolution directly countered by Paine's radical defense in 'Rights of Man'.

William Pitt

Burke and Pitt were fellow parliamentarians and political figures, often engaging in debates or alliances within British government circles.

Editor's Introduction

Paine's political adversary; author of 'Reflections on the Revolution in France,' defender of hereditary monarchy, proposed criminal prosecution of Paine, fomented war against France.

The Rights of Man

Target of Paine's rebuttal; Burke's attack on the French Revolution prompted this work.

Part First: Being an Answer to Mr. Burke’s Attack on the French Revolution

Target of Paine's rebuttal; criticized for his attack on the French Revolution.

Paine's Preface to the English Edition

Paine expresses disappointment in Burke for his violent speech against the French Revolution and for publishing a pamphlet containing flagrant misrepresentations.

Paine's Preface to the French Edition

Mentioned as the recipient of thanks from the Elector of Hanover for his insults against the French Revolution.

Rights of Man

Paine criticizes Burke's unprovoked pamphlet attacking the French Revolution and his denial of the nation's right to choose its own governors.

Observations on the Declaration of Rights

Mentioned as a critic of the French Revolution who claims it has 'gone too far'

Miscellaneous Chapter

Paine criticizes Burke's book as a confused 'mob of ideas' and refutes his defense of hereditary succession and his claim that government is a 'contrivance of human wisdom.'

Conclusion

Criticized for his defense of the British Constitution and his disgust at France's rejection of it.

Part Second: Combining Principle and Practice

Paine's intellectual opponent, whose defense of hereditary government is critiqued.

French Translator’s Preface (1792)

Mentioned as the target of Paine's answer; the translator dismisses the controversy as tedious and not affecting Paine.

Of Society and Civilisation

Criticized as a 'metaphysical man' who would overcomplicate the simple principles of self-governance.

Of the Old and New Systems of Government

Paine dismisses Burke's talk of old and new whigs as childish, and critiques his defense of monarchy.

Of Constitutions

Paine criticizes Burke's principle of binding and controlling posterity to the end of time, calling it detestable.

Ways and Means of Improving the Condition of Europe: Interspersed with Miscellaneous Observations

Implied as the target of Paine's critique of hereditary government and conservative opposition to reform.

Endnotes

Criticized by Paine; Burke's pamphlet and his defense of hereditary succession are referenced.