Calvert and Penn Or the Growth of Civil and Religious Liberty in America, as Disclosed in the Planting of Maryland and Pennsylvania   By: Brantz Mayer (1809-1879)

Calvert and Penn Or the Growth of Civil and Religious Liberty in America, as Disclosed in the Planting of Maryland and Pennsylvania by Brantz Mayer immerses readers in a captivating historical journey through the origins of two American colonies. This meticulously researched book explores the fascinating stories of Maryland and Pennsylvania, while shedding light on the intertwining of civil and religious liberties that shaped the early American society.

Mayer's narrative prowess shines throughout the book, effortlessly transporting readers back in time to the 17th century. He masterfully sets the stage by delving into the personal lives and motivations of key figures such as George Calvert and William Penn. By presenting their individual stories, Mayer paints a vivid picture of the societal and political landscapes that laid the foundation for these colonies.

One of the notable strengths of Mayer's work lies in his ability to capture the complexities of the period's religious dynamics. Drawing extensively from primary sources, he meticulously examines the struggles faced by Catholics and Quakers in a predominantly Protestant society. By highlighting the religious toleration that Maryland offered under Lord Baltimore's rule and contrasting it with Penn's Quaker experiment in Pennsylvania, Mayer provides readers with a profound understanding of how religious freedom evolved in the early American colonies.

Furthermore, Mayer effortlessly weaves historical facts with an engaging narrative style that keeps readers captivated from beginning to end. The book's well-structured chapters allow for a smooth and logical progression of ideas, ensuring a coherent and enjoyable reading experience. Mayer's attention to detail is commendable; he leaves no stone unturned as he traces the intricacies of these colonies' founding, their interactions with Native American tribes, and their gradual transformations in response to various challenges and conflicts.

Despite the numerous strengths, one minor critique of the book is its occasional over-reliance on intricate details, which may overwhelm readers. While the level of detail demonstrates Mayer's dedication to conducting thorough research, it may occasionally bog down the pacing of the narrative for readers seeking a more streamlined historical overview.

Calvert and Penn is an essential read for anyone interested in the origins of American religious and civil liberties. Brantz Mayer's comprehensive research, combined with his exceptional storytelling abilities, make this book an outstanding contribution to early American history. By shedding light on Maryland and Pennsylvania's colonial foundations, Mayer underscores the vital role these colonies played in shaping the future of religious freedom and pluralism in the United States.

First Page:

It is a venerable and beautiful rite which commands the Chinese not only to establish in their dwellings a Hall of Ancestors, devoted to memorials of kindred who are dead, but which obliges them, on a certain day of every year, to quit the ordinary toils of life and hasten to the tombs of their Forefathers, where, with mingled services of festivity and worship, they pass the hours in honoring the manes of those whom they have either loved or been taught to respect for their virtues... Continue reading book >>