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

From Library Journal
New York Times reporter Molotsky offers a light history of the American flag and "The Star Spangled Banner," as well as the people involved with making both. In the "little-known-facts" genre, Molotsky dances through the evolution of the song from an old English drinking song to its adoption in 1931 as the national anthem. And he gives us facts about the flag that challenge our long-held understanding of its genesis. For instance, Betsy Ross was not the flag's first seamstress, and the flag did not always have 13 stripes. There are also amusing tidbits, such as the largest American flag, which weighed in at 3000 pounds and measured 505' 225'. Personalities play a big part in Molotsky's treatment, with President and Dolly Madison, Francis Scott Key, and Mary Pickersgill (the real Betsy Ross) taking major roles. The War of 1812 gets well-deserved coverage as the historical scene for the unfolding of the anthem. Amusing but not scholarly, this history is recommended for public libraries. Bonnie Collier, Yale Law Lib. Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist
This absolutely irresistible slice of Americana tells the unabridged and demythologized story of the flag that inspired a relatively obscure lawyer to pen a patriotic poem that would seize the collective imagination of the American public. To provide the whole truth and nothing but the truth, Molotsky plays historical detective, investigating the creation of the flag that was to be flown over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor, the life and times of the poet whose immortal words were set to the tune of an English drinking song, and the gradual evolution of this essentially unsingable song into the national anthem. Placing these interrelated tales firmly into social and historical context by providing an enlightening overview of the much-misunderstood War of 1812, the author provides a comprehensive analysis of a uniquely American cultural phenomenon. Chock-full of humor, irony, and fun facts, this delightful tribute to the flag will appeal to a variety of inquisitive readers. Margaret Flanagan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved


Chicago Sun-Times, December 30, 2001
The Flag, the Poet, and the Song is concise and easy to read, a fine little history for our times.


University Wire, January 30, 2002
Frighteningly resembling a real-life friend or family member of the reader, McFadden's characters are poignant and strong.


Book Description
Americans have long stood to salute the flag and sing the national anthem, but in the wake of September 11, it has become more than a ritual at the beginning of a baseball game. Our flag has been on proud display in nearly every home, car, and shop window across the country and our national anthem has never been more popular.

Despite this resurgence in patriotism, few know the real story behind "The Star Spangled Banner"-neither the song nor the flag that inspired it. In this remarkable book, New York Times reporter Irvin Molotsky tells the story of what really inspired Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer, to pen this historic ode. Brimming with fascinating Americana, The Flag, the Poet and the Song, brings historical events and figures, both legendary and unknown-from the flag's seamstress to the military heroes of the War of 1812-to vivid life. In witty, accessible language and brimming with little known facts, Molotsky gives readers a book to be read and reread.

"This intelligent book provides fresh meaning to the poetic and patriotic language of the song." (New York Daily News)

Brilliant trivia . . . that keeps the pages turning and the mind engaged." (The Baltimore Sun)


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The Flag, the Poet, and the Song is concise and easy to read, a fine little history for our times.


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