The Ruling Passion: An Occasional Poem

Pamphlet, square 4to, includes half title, dbd, uncut, 32 pp. Early presentation inscription on half title, some soiling, browning and aging throughout; otherwise very good. Paine (1773-1811) was born Thomas Paine, the son of Robert Treat Paine Sr., statesman and signer of the Declaration of Independence.. In 1801, he changed his name to Robert Treat, and according to some, he did this to avoid confusion with his father. A poet and lawyer, he was he was a gifted writter, and never pulled his punches. At the age of 12 he attacked his own father in a scathing poem, which resulted in a lifelong division between the two. His poetry would gain considerable attention with his contemporaries, and he even became active in the Boston Theatre. The present title, his Harvard Phi Beta Kappa Poem of 1797, was considered by his friends as his best poem. While he had considerable popularity in his time, a lifestyle of excessive drinking and dissolute living took their toll. In ill health, he returned to his father's house, and died in an attic room. ANB.