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Title details for William Penn by Andrew R. Murphy - Available

William Penn

A Life

by Andrew R. Murphy
ebook
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On March 4, 1681, King Charles II granted William Penn a charter for a new American colony. Pennsylvania was to be, in its founder's words, a bold "Holy Experiment" in religious freedom and toleration, a haven for those fleeing persecution in an increasingly intolerant England and across Europe. An activist, political theorist, and the proprietor of his own colony, Penn would become a household name in the New World, despite spending just four years on American soil. Though Penn is an iconic figure in both American and British history, controversy swirled around him during his lifetime. In his early twenties, Penn became a Quaker — an act of religious as well as political rebellion that put an end to his father's dream that young William would one day join the English elite. Yet Penn went on to a prominent public career as a Quaker spokesman, political agitator, and royal courtier. At the height of his influence, Penn was one of the best-known Dissenters in England and walked the halls of power as a close ally of King James II. At his lowest point, he found himself jailed on suspicion of treason, and later served time in debtor's prison. Despite his importance, William Penn has remained an elusive character — many people know his name, but few know much more than that. Andrew R. Murphy offers the first major biography of Penn in more than forty years, and the first to make full use of Penn's private papers. The result is a complex portrait of a man whose legacy we are still grappling with today. At a time when religious freedom is hotly debated in the United States and around the world, William Penn's Holy Experiment serves as both a beacon and a challenge.

  • Creators

  • Publisher

  • Release date

    October 8, 2018

  • Formats

    • Kindle Book

    • OverDrive Read

      • ISBN: 9780190234263

    • EPUB ebook

      • ISBN: 9780190234263
      • File size: 6003 KB

  • Languages

    • English

  • Reviews

    • Library Journal

      November 15, 2018

      William Penn (1644-1718) became a household name in the New World despite staying only four years in the colony that bears his name. His passionate dedication to the Society of Friends led him to create a sanctuary for a Christian sect being persecuted by the British establishment. According to Murphy (political science, Rutgers Univ.; Liberty, Conscience, and Toleration: The Political Thought of William Penn), Penn became an impassioned Quaker apologist, political agitator, organizer, preacher and royal courtier in Great Britain. Penn converted to Quakerism against the desires of his father. However, because of his father's service to King Charles II, Penn received a charter in 1681 to found a new American colony with him as sole proprietor, seeking to create a haven for religious dissenters. Constantly strapped for funds, he also hoped that Pennsylvania would restore his financial state. Penn partially succeeded in his quest. VERDICT Well crafted and thoroughly researched, the writing style here is more academic than narrative. Yet, for anyone desiring comprehensive knowledge of Penn's life, this is the book to read.--Glen Edward Taul, formerly with Campbellsville Univ., KY

      Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • Kindle Book
  • OverDrive Read
  • EPUB ebook

subjects

Languages

  • English

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