Scott Liell talked about his book 46 Pages: Thomas Paine, Common Sense, and the Turning Point to Independence, published by Running Press. The book tells the story behind Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” and emphasizes how it changed the conversation about America’s relationship to England. Published in January 1776, its argument for American independence influenced the founding fathers and the ensuing American Revolution. At a time when 1,500 copies sold was considered a publishing success, Paine’s book sold over 120,000 copies in three months at a time when America’s total population was roughly 2 million people. After his remarks, Mr. Liell answered audience members' questions.