I had never heard of Philadelphia before coming across this story. I imagined it to be some sort of fantastical name. As someone from outside the United States, reading about the rich history of such a small place fascinated me. I had no idea that a small city could hold such deep history. Not only has the author succeeded in detailing every event that happened, but he has also written it so well that I was completely immersed in the story.

I began the story expecting it to be somewhat boring, but the historical evolution—from the Lenape inhabitants to the cultural diversity of the 21st century—kept me mesmerized. I developed a keen interest in Philadelphia's history and how it became what it is today.

Philadelphia is known as the city of murals and artifacts, and I can see the connection. The detailed analysis as to how each race and culture influenced the city. How It became famous for its colonial and revolutionary buildings and the stories behind them. All points of perspectives are covered by the author. The author has conducted extensive research to understand Philadelphia's landscape in terms of race, culture, conflicts, movements, revolutions, and diversity. Philadelphia is one of those cities that existed long before their home country. Its history is so intricate that it has beautifully laid the foundation. Philadelphia existed long before the Liberty Bell was first rung, and its history extends well beyond the American Revolution. Paul Kahan has successfully presented a comprehensive portrait of the city, from the region's original Lenape inhabitants to the myriad of residents in the twenty-first century.

As any history of a city should, this book states the people and places that make the city unique: from Independence Hall to Eastern State Penitentiary, from Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross to Cecil B. Moore and Cherelle Parker. Each person, event, and situation has significantly contributed to Philadelphia's regime. Kahan also shows us how Philadelphia has always been defined by ethnic, religious, and racial diversity. The timeliness has been woven orderly presenting the Dutch, Swedes and Lenape in the seventeenth century. Then the Black and formerly enslaved people in the 19th century; and the twentieth century, when it attracted immigrants from around the world. This diversity, however, often resulted in conflict, especially over access to public spaces. These two themes—diversity and conflict—have shaped Philadelphia's development and remain visible in the city's culture and society throughout time.

The language and facts are meticulously accurate, and the author has successfully written a comprehensive analysis of Philadelphia. I recommend this book to history enthusiasts. They will thoroughly enjoy it. I rated this book 4 out of 5 stars due to it being too fact-driven. I wasn't able to feel at ease while reading it, as the events kept coming, making it seem entangled. Nonetheless, it did not cause me to lose my composure. The grammar was impeccable. Paul Kahan did a great job in creating such a meticulous novel.

Not sure if this is just because this is an ARC, but reading this on the kindle app there were a lot of issues with the way the font presented. Random sentences are in extra large font and bolded, it's really impossible to read that way, in my opinion. The figures are nice are visible, but the formatting is a mess. Sorry.

Philadelphia fascinates most of the people versed into American history. This book is great to deepen one's knowledge. the writing is fluent, one never gets bored, and the level of research is amazing. A very precious book to be kept in one's library, to sustain knowledge and develop the inquisite mind.
All opinions are mine, thank you to the author and Netgalley.