Books From the 1770s: History's Best Sellers

Make way for the hits of 1770s! This remarkable era stood as a testament to the golden era of American industry and the march of first-rate books. Crowd-pleasers such as Common Sense shared the spotlight with mega-bestsellers The American Crisis and Directions for Preserving the Health of Soldiers. Brought to you by top-notch makers from industry leaders like Thomas Paine and Benjamin Rush, these trailblazing products swept main street from coast to coast as genuine top-flight hits and earned a permanent place in cultural lore. Check out the complete rank-ordered ledger below to relive the finest releases of the year.

1. Common Sense

   Released in 1776 by Thomas Paine, Robert Bell

   Published anonymously in January 1776, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" arrived at a critical juncture in the American colonies, transforming ambiguous sentiments of grievance into a clear and compelling call for complete separation from British rule. Its release was exceptionally timely, as many colonists were still debating reconciliation versus rebellion, with full independence seeming a radical step. Paine's pamphlet articulated the philosophical case against monarchy and hereditary rule, and passionately argued for republican government, providing the intellectual and emotional impetus needed to push a wavering public towards revolution. It quickly became an indispensable document in solidifying American resolve for independence during this pivotal year.

2. The American Crisis

   Released in 1777 by Thomas Paine, multiple printers and publishers

   Released at the direst moment for the Continental Army in late 1776, 'The Crisis' was a series of pamphlets penned by Thomas Paine, designed to reignite the revolutionary spirit among a weary populace and a demoralized military. Its initial installment, published in December 1776 and widely circulated in January 1777, arrived just as General George Washington's forces faced imminent collapse following a series of defeats, widespread desertions, and rapidly expiring enlistments. This powerful rhetoric was strategically timed to galvanize support for the war effort, emphasizing the critical juncture the fledgling nation faced and providing a much-needed psychological uplift. It directly addressed the fears and doubts prevalent among soldiers and civilians alike, transforming a moment of despair into a renewed call for perseverance and sacrifice.

3. Directions for Preserving the Health of Soldiers

   Released in 1778 by Benjamin Rush

   Published as a standalone pamphlet in 1778 by order of the Continental Army's Board of War, Benjamin Rush's 'Directions for Preserving the Health of Soldiers' was a critical milestone in early American military medicine. Addressing the high mortality rates in Revolutionary War camps due to preventable diseases, this work applied the era's cutting-edge sanitation concepts to military life. Its significance lies in its direct impact on army survival rates and its role as one of the first official government-commissioned medical manuals in U.S. history.

4. Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America

   Released in 1779 by Jonathan Carver, J. Walter

   Published in 1779, 'Travels Through the Interior Parts of North America' by Jonathan Carver emerged at a critical juncture in history, amidst the American Revolutionary War, offering a compelling vision of the continent's immense potential beyond the contested eastern seaboard. This detailed account of a three-year expedition (1766-1768) provided Anglo-Americans with a foundational text for understanding the largely uncharted territories west of the Great Lakes. Its significance lies in its ability to captivate readers with descriptions of indigenous cultures, bountiful landscapes, and speculative geographical claims, thereby fueling both scientific curiosity and the nascent American spirit of westward expansion during a period of national formation.