A True Hero: A Story of the Days of William Penn

"A True Hero: A Story of the Days of William Penn" by William Henry Giles Kingston is a historical fiction set in the late 1600s, following a brave Quaker family's migration from England to America seeking religious freedom during the reign of James II. This story illustrates the persecution experienced by religious groups like the Quakers, and their courageous push for liberty and freedom of worship, in an era defined by political and religious conflict. Opening during a period of religious oppression in England with restrictive laws, the scene is set outside of a Quaker house of worship highlighted by the Quaker's determination to worship freely despite threats by authority. The story introduces young William Penn as a key figure promoting the idea of peaceful resistance, and describes interpersonal dynamics between Captain Mead and others. Together they find themselves caught up in the fight of freedom.