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William Penn: A Biography
William A Biography is a comprehensive account of the life of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania and a prominent figure in American history. Written by Catherine Owens Peare, the book covers Penn's upbringing in England, his conversion to Quakerism, his political and religious activism, his travels to America, and his establishment of the colony of Pennsylvania. Peare explores Penn's relationships with key figures of his time, including King Charles II and other Quaker leaders, as well as his efforts to create a society based on his principles of religious tolerance and social justice. The book also delves into Penn's personal life, including his marriage and family, and his struggles with financial and legal challenges. Overall, William A Biography offers a detailed and engaging portrait of one of America's most influential founding fathers.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1957
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
June 23, 2013
Ok, I have to say "Loved the book. Hated the ending." Can you say that for a biography?
So, the book is from the 1950s so some of the writing style is different than modern writing. It's very interesting to read the details about the founding father of the state (sorry, commonwealth) I live in. For instance - did you think Pennsylvania was named after William Penn? Well, it wasn't. Not the Quaker William Penn. It was named after his father, Sir William Penn, admiral of the British Navy and friend of the Stuarts (for those of us who didn't study English history that was the ruling family in England at the time and, as it turned out for Penn, fortunate people to be good friends with).
The book starts when Penn is an infant and pieces together Penn's early life. It gives intimate details of his family and friendships. It traces the beginnings of the colony that was to become Pennsylvania (and BTW Penn hated the name because Quakers favor modesty, he proposed it be called New Wales, Sylvania).
It greatly details the early conception of a government "by the people" and the problems encountered both from the people and from the Crown.
We learn about Penn's marriages and children and their personalities.
And, like any Biography, the book ends with the death of the main character. But in this case, an epilogue is sorely needed. At the time of his death, Penn had plans in place for Pennsylvania, and he had a wife and several surviving children and grandchildren. What happened? It would be nice to know if his new will was approved, if the Lords and Queen approved his plans for Pennsylvania, and how his oldest son and heir treated his children by his second wife.
So, the book is from the 1950s so some of the writing style is different than modern writing. It's very interesting to read the details about the founding father of the state (sorry, commonwealth) I live in. For instance - did you think Pennsylvania was named after William Penn? Well, it wasn't. Not the Quaker William Penn. It was named after his father, Sir William Penn, admiral of the British Navy and friend of the Stuarts (for those of us who didn't study English history that was the ruling family in England at the time and, as it turned out for Penn, fortunate people to be good friends with).
The book starts when Penn is an infant and pieces together Penn's early life. It gives intimate details of his family and friendships. It traces the beginnings of the colony that was to become Pennsylvania (and BTW Penn hated the name because Quakers favor modesty, he proposed it be called New Wales, Sylvania).
It greatly details the early conception of a government "by the people" and the problems encountered both from the people and from the Crown.
We learn about Penn's marriages and children and their personalities.
And, like any Biography, the book ends with the death of the main character. But in this case, an epilogue is sorely needed. At the time of his death, Penn had plans in place for Pennsylvania, and he had a wife and several surviving children and grandchildren. What happened? It would be nice to know if his new will was approved, if the Lords and Queen approved his plans for Pennsylvania, and how his oldest son and heir treated his children by his second wife.
February 29, 2016
A long well researched book although with a strange and unhelpful Quaker bias. Better to leave the facts to speak for themselves.
This is a time machine into a world 350 years ago. Not the easyists of reads, in depth and sometimes overly detailed but insightful none the less.
Conclusion... Life was not better in the good old days and Penn played a small part in helpful changes to law, religious freedom and democracy. The death of five of his children is an insight into the common tragedy of infant deaths before modern medicine.
This is a time machine into a world 350 years ago. Not the easyists of reads, in depth and sometimes overly detailed but insightful none the less.
Conclusion... Life was not better in the good old days and Penn played a small part in helpful changes to law, religious freedom and democracy. The death of five of his children is an insight into the common tragedy of infant deaths before modern medicine.
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May 25, 2013The book begins with the life of William Penn's father.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews