Calvert and Penn Or the Growth of Civil and Religious Liberty in America, as Disclosed in the Planting of Maryland and Pennsylvania

"Calvert and Penn" by Brantz Mayer is a historical exploration of early America that examines the origins of civil and religious freedom through the stories of Maryland and Pennsylvania's founding. It compares the distinct visions of George Calvert, who sought to create a Catholic sanctuary, and William Penn, who wanted a Quaker society emphasizing equality, exploring their different ideas and actions in shaping the colonies. The book starts by looking at the Reformation in England and the resulting desire for religious freedom in the New World, showing the conflicts between Catholics and Protestants and how different groups escaped persecution in Europe. It contemplates the basic ideas of individual rights and the importance of remembering past generations, setting up a contrast between Calvert and Penn that drives the whole story.