The Flag, the Poet and the Song: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner

by Irvin Molotsky

Rich with little-known facts about the War of 1812, this fascinating study explores the impact of the conflict on American life, the life of poet Francis Scott Key, and the history of the flag that inspired the poem that became America's national anthem. 15,000 first printing.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

240 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2001

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learned a lot more about the history of the Star-Spangled Banner than I ever realized there was to know while reading this book. Molotsky's writing style was a bit less formal than I expected, but it drew me in to learn more about the War of 1812, which I feel I know little about while calling myself a history teacher. Surprisingly, this book was good for some laughs, which I also did not expect, but it made the material of this little known topic more approachable. I additionally did not expect to read a long chapter about the argument over whether desecrating the flag should be a punishable offense or a form of freedom of speech. I did not enjoy that chapter, which lowered my opinion of the book. It started out well, and then I found myself trying to figure out the author's angle for including that material in his book. I presume it was to enlighten readers as to the debate on the topic, but I felt more so that he was trying to use other's arguments to argue his point of view, which I am not sure I agree with. I also am not sure if I can agree with his statement that "The Star-Spangled Banner" will always remain the nation's national anthem, despite attempts to change it. I am not saying that it should be changed, but change can happen, even if it is hard to bring about, and I think it is entirely possible that "The Star-Spangled Banner" could one day be replaced with another song contender.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mostly a short, but good read on the history of our national anthem. Lots of history, care is given to different perspectives about our national anthem, including having a problematic references to slavery (in an anthem that is supposed to represent us all) as well as for other lesser known reasons, including the fact that the vocal range is difficult for those without training. The author's editorialization was a bit distracting, and some sections were repetitive, but in all a good book for those wanting to know more.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book on the library shelf while looking for something else. I thought looked interesting and I was right. I have heard the story of the Star-Spangled Banner but knew very little of the War of 1812, despite living with miles of battlesites. I found the book to be very informative. I also got a brief history lesson on the attempts to make laws regarding the defamation of the flag.
If you like history, this book is a good read.

[Casey Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this book from my library for research on the Star Spangled Banner to see the true history of it. I was completely shocked when I found out the song was originally a poem and was never written to honor veterans who fought for our freedom. I wish Americans would stop spreading lies about our history. Great read and very much informative.

[Dalen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I founds sections of this book terrific - such as the sections on Key and the events at Fort McHenry that lead to him writing the Star Spangled Banner. And the section of the flag itself and the making of it. But other parts to into far to much detail that seem to be off plot.

[Cherie Piatt]

Very interesting book.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting backstory to the flag, etc.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. I went to Ft. McHenry last May and it was really a special experience. My mom gave me this book and I really enjoyed learning more. It is a little outdated--it was written in 2000 before September 11th and before the Smithsonion completed the new exhibit for the Star Spangled Banner. It was fun reading the book because I was able to see the Flag at all the different stages. I went on a trip the DC when I was in highschool and saw it hanging from the ceiling and then when we lived there they had it in the lab and you could see them working on it and then in May I saw the beautiful new exhibit. So anyway--I really enjoyed the book.

[Ashley Reif]

I used to hate history because all I thought was that you were just supposed to memorize facts. I was really wrong, I finally read a fictional WWII book that got me started on wanting to learn more. I realized that history is just more than facts, it is a story.
I was reading this book, and I finally realized that now that I am wanting to learn more, and crave for more information, the facts are just sticking naturally.
He did a really good job with this book. It took me a while to get through, but I now know so many more things than I did before.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for celebrating the 200th birthday of "The Star-Spangled Banner" in my classroom. While I learned some interesting facts about our national anthem, I was also annoyed by the subtle way Molotsky kept inserting his personal opinion. At times I felt he is quite cynical toward "The Star-Spangled Banner" so, before I was half-way through the book, it seemed like drudgery to wade my way through it.