William Penn: A Life

In the first major biography of William Penn in over 40 years, Andrew Murphy examines his prominent public career as a Quaker spokesman, political agitator and royal courtier. At the height of his influence, Penn was 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. In America, his ‘Holy Experiment’ of Pennsylvania would be a haven for those fleeing persecution in an increasingly intolerant England and across Europe. Yet as a slave owner, and in some of his dealings with tribal nations of the United States, Penn’s actions contradicted his Quakerly commitment to equality and justice. A timely and fascinating biography.