Started as a “Holy Experiment” in 1682, William Penn’s colony and his city of Philadelphia attracted lovers of religious freedom worldwide. Why? Jim recently appeared on several podcasts to discuss “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”

Sam Cohn talks with Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast, an amusing and informative insider’s guide to the Philadelphia history you don’t know. Jim recently appeared on a podcast with Paul Perrelo, host of “The Philly Factor” to discuss “Real Philly History, Real Fast.”

Jan 16, 2025 · Jim Murphy and his book "Inner Excellence." Photos: Courtesy of Jen Brown and Jim Murphy Author Jim Murphy became an overnight celebrity in Philadelphia after Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown created a stir reading his book on the sidelines last Sunday.

4 days ago · Location: 251 N. 3rd Street. Shows history of architecture in Philadelphia from 1682 to 2105, and includes some of the city’s most iconic buildings. I only knew one city tour guide who could easily identify all of them: Josh Silver. Unfortunately, he died last September. Photo by Jim Murphy, author of Real Philly History, Real Fast.

Jun 18, 2021 · One of Philly’s clocks has a face larger than Big Ben’s in London. And a unique skill of Black abolitionist James Forten saved him from a life of West Indian servitude (and “Forten” was not even his real name). In Real Philly History, Real Fast, Jim Murphy provides an original tour of the city.

Jan 13, 2025 · In an interview with NBC Philadelphia, "Inner Excellence" author Jim Murphy reacts to A.J. Brown and Eagles fans helping his book reach No. 1 on the Amazon best sellers list.

Nov 19, 2024 · Where is the city’s first Pennsylvania historic marker with the word “riot” in the title? What statue may be the 2nd most photographed in Philadelphia? Where was the Liberty Bell secretly damaged? … Find out what Jim Murphy learned during 11 years of writing this popular book. You’ll leave this program knowing far more than you did ...

Jul 28, 2021 · Murphy thinks his book is the first guidebook to include stories on The Historical Society of Pennsylvania, The Library Company of Philadelphia and the Athenaeum of Philadelphia. A certified...

Aug 17, 2021 · Think you know Philadelphia? This book may make you think again. In Real Philly History, REAL FAST, Jim Murphy distills people, places, and things that slipped through the cracks into a rapid-fire tour that’ll make you want to revisit Philadelphia’s past.

Jul 28, 2021 · A longtime resident of Philadelphia, Jim Murphy is a certified tour guide who does frequent in-person and online presentations on “The Amazing Success of William Penn .”