Beginning with Perm's birth in 1644 and ending with his death in 1718, Gray's book covers the periods in British history known as the Commonwealth, the Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution. The years of Penn's life are marked by religious conflict among Catholics, Anglicans, and Nonconformists. The Nonconformists are composed of many diverse sects such as the Quakers. To escape religious persecution, the Quakers move to Pennsylvania, where they hope to find peace and tolerance.