John Peter Zenger was born in the Palatinate region of Germany. When he was twelve years of age, his family decided to migrate to the New World. His father looked to America as a land of promise, but unfortunately died on board ship while coming here.

In America Peter hoped to become an apprentice and to learn a trade. Now that his father was dead he could no longer depend on his family for a living. He sought advice and help from Pastor Dietz, who also was coming to America. The Pastor had formerly lived in the Palatinate in Germany.

When the ship reached New York, William Bradford, a prominent printer, met the ship hoping to secure apprentice printers. Peter was recommended by Pastor Dietz and almost immediately became a printer's apprentice. He had many problems, but soon became entranced with his work and the New World.

In America, Peter met and prized many friends. He valued Hans Schlichter, who befriended him on his first day in the shop. He valued Dame Bradford, William Bradford's Quaker wife, who treated him like a son. He valued James Alexander, a Scottish attorney in the city, who became his closest adviser.

After young Zenger completed his apprenticeship, he became a journeyman printer, but soon returned to New York to work with Mr. Bradford. Later he decided to leave Bradford and set up a shop of his own. Finally in 1733, with encouragement from his friend Alexander, he started his own newspaper, called the New York Weekly Journal.

In the first issue Zenger carried an article criticizing Governor Cosby of New York for dismissing a political opponent from office. The Governor was angered and had Zenger arrested and tried for libel. A prominent attorney, Andrew Hamilton, brilliantly defended him and he was acquitted of the charge.

This famous trial has led John Peter Zenger to become noted as the first person to advocate freedom of the press in America. He was only the son of a poor grape grower in Germany, but through his Weekly Journal and trial, he helped to lay a foundation for freedom of expression in America.

Laura Long, the author, has written four other popular books in the Childhood of Famous Americans Series. In this fifth book she tells how a poor immigrant boy made good in America. She portrays how he struggled to succeed and finally made the great contribution for which he is noted.

From the dust jacket