Explanation
Correct answer: B.
Choice B is the best answer. The conventions being tested are the use of plural and possessive nouns. The singular possessive noun "author’s" correctly indicates that the political writings are those of Thomas Paine, and the plural noun "writings" correctly indicates that multiple works by Paine are being discussed.
Why the other choices are wrong
Choice A
Choice A is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "author’s," not the plural noun "authors."
Choice C
Choice C is incorrect because the context requires the plural noun "writings," not the singular possessive noun "writing’s."
Choice D
Choice D is incorrect because the context requires the singular possessive noun "author’s" and the plural noun "writings," not the plural possessive nouns "authors’" and "writings’."