Philadelphia: A Narrative History with Paul Kahan
Paul Kahan, Author of Philadelphia: A Narrative History, (University of Pennsylvania Press) released October 29th, 2024, was in the Beasley Studios to talk about his new book and why it needed to be written.
Philadelphia: A Narrative History
Paul’s story of Philadelphia includes some great “Pre-History” information about the area as well as what has been happening since the early 1980’s. The Pre-Philadelphia history is rich and full of information that tells part of a story that is not widely taught.
The history of the region is alive in Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs. It’s a great city with so many incredible stories that define who we are. Is the Liberty Bell the actual bell that was gifted to us by England? Or, is it a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th attempt at getting it right?
Paul also discusses why stoop hangs are an important part of the social life in Philadelphia and have been for over 200 years, but in a slightly different form at first. Paul shares how small towns all grew together to become a part of Philadelphia and also talks about the cave bars on the banks of The Delaware River. The city of Philadelphia has such a rich pre-history (Pre-Revolution) and has been a fascinating place of change since the mid 1980’s and into the 21st century.
It is an epicenter of medical research, technical innovation, and more. I really enjoyed reading A Narrative History of Philadelphia, and I love the conversation with author, Paul Kahan as much or more.
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.
Markus Goldman Chats With Paul Kahan
