In this book, the first comprehensive history of Philadelphia to be written in nearly three-quarters of a century, the reader will discover a rich and colorful portrait of one of America's most vital, interesting, and illustrious cities. Philadelphia: A 300-Year History traces the political, artistic, physical, and social evolution of the city and illumines its very special spirit---how it has changed in response to the demands of three centuries, and how, in many fascinating respects, it has remained the same as it was in William Penn's day.