THOMAS PAINE: THE FORGOTTEN ENLIGHTENMENT HERO

THOMAS PAINE: THE FORGOTTEN ENLIGHTENMENT HERO
“The most formidable weapon against errors of every kind is reason.”
An illustrated talk, based on my recent graphic novel biography, outlining the ideas and almost hilariously dramatic life of this great advocate of free speech, rationality, science and democracy. His writings quite literally sparked the American war of independence, and yet he's been almost whitewashed from popular history... because, I'll argue, he was one of the first working class public figures to apply a blowtorch of plainly spoken logic to religious fundamentalism, in his infamous best selling book 'The Age of Reason.'
Plus: he was once a pirate! HARRRRR!
'Polyp' is a professional cartoonist, graphic novelist and science educator. He has a degree from Leeds University in English, comparative religion, and the history of science. His recent works include PETERLOO, about the infamous Manchester massacre of 1819, and 'thINK' a collection of his skepticism cartoons. He's talked to a range of skeptic groups around the country, and organized live debates about a whole range of conspiracy theories, some light hearted, some tense, political and alarmingly confrontational... copies of his books will be available to buy on the night.
*** Please bring cash for books ***