ABSTRACT
In 1895 the Manchester Guardian commented that 'Thomas Paine's admirers ought to be very grateful to Mr Moncure D. Conway for affording them an opportunity of seeing the collection of objects dignified by the title of exhibition which he has gathered for their delectation'. Reviewers passed similar comments in relation to the biography of Paine that Conway produced at the same time, one article suggesting that 'Paine's reputation in this country is based upon a limited acquaintance with what he wrote and an imperfect knowledge of what he did'. Paine mattered to many in the socialist movement, with some regarding him as 'a prophet' and the 'pioneer of great modern movements', including their own. Paine was nearly always recognised as an important historical figure, and his achievements during his lifetime were often the first point of celeb.
