Paul Kahan

Philadelphia:

A Narrative History

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In Philadelphia: A Narrative History, Paul Kahan presents a comprehensive portrait of the city, from the region’s original Lenape inhabitants to the diverse Philadelphians of the twenty-first century. From Independence Hall to Eastern State Penitentiary, Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross to Cecil B. Moore and Cherelle Parker, Kahan explores how Philadelphia has always been defined by ethnic, religious, and racial diversity. This diversity, however, often resulted in conflict. Those two themes— diversity and conflict— have shaped Philadelphia’s development and remain visible in the city’s culture, society, and even its geography.