Mathew Carey fought for freedom with his pen and printing press. Throughout his long career, he poured out fiery pamphlets on any cause he believed just, no matter how unpopular it might be.

Born in Dublin in 1760, young Mathew became an apprentice printer at a time when Ireland was in the grip of the Penal Laws—laws in which the English denied the people every right as citizens. His works protesting against these injustices so aroused authorities that he was forced to flee. He went first to France where he worked for Benjamin Franklin, and later he sailed to his adopted country—America.

In Philadelphia, he established a newspaper, then a literary magazine, finally becoming a publisher of the most important British and American writers of his day. In 1790 he brought out the first edition of the Catholic Bible in the United States.

Using the power of the press, Carey spoke out bluntly on all vital issues—the Constitution, banking, the War of 1812, high tariffs, and especially social justice. Suiting action to words, he soon was beloved by the poor for his never-ending charity.

During his stormy and dynamic life, this controversial figure battled for his ideals regardless of the cost. He stands beside other leaders in American history who molded a weak young country into a nation worthy to be classed with the world's great powers.

From the dust jacket