William Penn and the Founding of Pennsylvania: A Documentary History

by Jean R. Soderlund

Book Overview

On March 5, 1681, one day after receiving his royal charter for Pennsylvania, William Penn wrote that he believed God would make his colony "the seed of the nation." Penn wanted his Pennsylvania to be... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812278623
• ISBN13: 9780812278620
• Release Date: June 1983
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press
• Length: 432 Pages
• Weight: 1.90 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Different overview of WIlliam Penn

This book provides a different overview of how William Penn found Pennsylvania. Jean Soderlund looks at William Penn through his letters and documents created by him. THe book is not a traditional biography. The author provides commentary about what the reader will see and then presents the documents in their full form. The book tackles many of the early dilemmas but focuses on three major areas. The conflict with Lord Baltimore over the boundaries, security with Indian nations, and the development of tolerant government in Pennsylvania. The other area that does not lend itself to the categories is the first chapter which focuses on getting the domestic affairs of the colony organized in England which is covered thoroughly. Overall it is well done and an interesting look at how Pennsylvania was formed.