Product Description

Continuing her unique approach to "horizontal history", Genevieve Foster explores the wide world of William Penn - a world reaching across the courtyards of the Sun King to the Great Wall of China. Penn's contemporaries included such colorful figures as Louis XIV, Peter the Great, Edmund Halley, Sir Issac Newton, Shah Jahan ( who built the Taj Mahal), and the great explorers Marquette, Jolliet, and La Salle. Penn's life spans a fascinating age of exploration and discovery. Penn's Quaker beliefs under girded his relationships with the Pennsylvanian tribes and established the longest standing peace treaty between American Indians and European settlers.

196 pgs

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #286111 in Books
• Published on: 2008-11-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 196 pages

Review
In The World of William Penn Foster explores the wide sphere of the humble Quaker, William Penn. From the courtyards of the Sun King to the royal chambers of Charles II, Penn was a "Friend" of kings and princes, scientists and Native Americans. A member of the Royal Society, Penn knew Edmund Halley and Isaac Newton. He met Peter the Great while the Czar was visiting London and introduced him to Quaker ideas. As the founder of Pennsylvania, Penn treated the Native American tribes with dignity and respect and by his integrity established the longest standing peace treaty between European settlers and Native Americans. His commitment to religious freedom became a cornerstone of American democracy. In her inimitable fashion, Foster has brought Penn's story to a new generation of readers. --Rea Berg, Editor 2008 --Rea C. Berg, editor

About the Author
Nothing is more critical, I believe, than that children growing up in these critical explosive days should be given an understanding of American history as a part of the history of the world. Every year this grows more urgent, as increasingly rapid communication integrates world events more closely and the impact of foreign affairs on our own lives becomes more serious and immediate." Genevieve Foster wrote this nearly fifty years ago. It resonates with perhaps more truth today. As a result of this clarion call we have sold many of her enduring "World" titles because of the timeless nature of her books. Her writing style is clear, concise and fluid with her greatest strength as a storyteller being her ability to bring her readers right into the minds and times of her characters.

Customer Reviews

History as a journey
Genevieve Foster has the unique ability to take the reader on a journey into the world of various people, but in this work it is William Penn. You will not only learn about William Penn and his Quakerism, but also how he got given to him what is now Pennsylvania. You will also learn about the rulers of Japan, China, as well Louis XIV and Versailles, Peter the Great of Russia and how he came to build St. Petersburg. Also featured is Queen Elizabeth and King James of the authorized King James version fame. I do not care what age you are, this is a good way to get the historical overview that you need of the late 15 and early 16 hundreds.

excellent way to interest 10-year-old in history
In an easy-to-read style, author outlines the subject's history and, in what she terms "horizontal history", provides a most interesting outline of salient events during the subject's time period. This approach provides the reader, youthful or not, with an excellent persective of how historical events influenced the development of William Penn. Fast-moving, interesting text will help the youthful reader to develop an interest in historical subjects.

Doesn't live up to other titles
I purchased this book because the World of Christopher Columbus was SO good, and this title wasn't available at our local library. As a homeschooling mom and big fan of William Penn and all that he stood for, I thought this would be a good addition to our home library. First of all, the size is smaller. Also the format is different, and there are typographical errors in the book. It does have good info, but definitely not what I was expecting from a Foster book.