Thomas Paine and Samuel Adams -What do these men have in common?

When Paine’s Common Sense appeared in January, 1776, with its incendiary words ridiculing the crown and hereditary authority, and its forthright call for a declaration of independence and creation of a republican form of government, the sensational pamphlet excited many patriots but alarmed others. John Adams, for one, admired the author’s “manly” style of writing and unequivocal call for separation from British rule, but was shocked by the pamphlet’s “democratical” prescriptions for new governance. Fearing that he was being identified as the anonymous author of Common Sense, and recognizing the powerful and immediate effect the pamphlet was having on the people, Adams soon was composing letters to several colleagues with thoughts of his own. His proposals coalesced in a pamphlet entitled Thoughts on Government, also published anonymously, in April 1776. Soon after each pamphlet’s publication, everyone knew who the authors of Common Sense and Thoughts on Government were. And for Paine, his writing brought instant fame.

i would go with the last one

the alfred thayer mahan award for literary achievement is awarded each year by the navy league of the united states. the award is named for an american naval historian and theorist, rear admiral alfred thayer mahan, united states navy who, through his writing, provided stimulus and guidance to those who share in the defense of the nation. presented since 1957, "this award for literary achievement is awarded to a u.s. navy officer, u.s. marine corps officer, enlisted service member, or civilian who has made a notable literary contribution that has advanced the knowledge of the importance of sea power in the united states."[1]