What So Proudly We Hail: The American Soul in Story, Speech, and Song

by Amy A. Kass (Editor), Leon R. Kass (Editor), Diana Schaub (Editor)

This wonderfully rich anthology uses the soul-shaping power of story, speech, and song to help Americans realize more deeply—and appreciate more fully—who they are as citizens of the United States. At once inspiring and thought-provoking, What So Proudly We Hail features dozens of selections on American identity, character, and civic life by our countryÆs greatest writers and leaders—from Mark Twain to John Updike, from George Washington to Theodore Roosevelt, from Willa Cather to Flannery OÆConnor, from Benjamin Franklin to Martin Luther King Jr., from Francis Scott Key to Irving Berlin. Developing robust American citizens involves educating the heart as well as the mind. It is not enough to understand our nationÆs lofty principles or know our history; thoughtful and engaged citizens require cultivated moral imaginations and fitting sentiments and attitudes—matters both displayed in and nurtured by our great works of imaginative literature and rhetoric. Featuring the editorsÆ insightful and instructive commentary, What So Proudly We Hail illuminates our national identity, the American creed, the American character, and the virtues and aspirations of active citizenship. This marvelous book will not only be a fixture on bedside tables; it will also spark conversations in homes, schools, colleges, and reading groups everywhere.

Genres: History, American History, Nonfiction

790 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 2011

Reviews

[Steve Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What So Proudly We Hail

What an inspiring and challenging anthology that captures being an American in all the best senses! Must read. I believe Peggy Noonan suggested keeping it by the bedside and reading one piece every night before bed. Truly a great idea.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirring and provocative. It warmly invites the reader to an exploration of American spirit, charting a middle course between cynical self-loathing and chest-thumping arrogance, challenging us to face our national (and individual) sins, but suggesting there is yet something good, true, and beautiful between these shining seas.

[David Gould · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great collection of short stories coupled with thought starters.

[Graham Bradley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A primer on American civics in one volume. Gonna use this one for homeschool to own the libs.

[Melissa]

Free press noonan

[Paul Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found it to be an outstanding collection of short stories. From our founders to obscure authors that I was not familiar with. I highly recommend it.