The flag, the poet, and the song: the story of the Star-Spangled
Banner Every American knows "The Star-Spangled Banner", even if
we can't sing it to save our lives. But how many people know
what really happened through the perilous night that led a
Washington lawyer to pen his historic ode? Like the subjects of
Cod or Longitude, our national anthem is something taken for
granted. But it was not always so. In this remarkable,
flawlessly researched book, New York Times reporter Irvin
Molotsky tells the story behind the story and, in the process,
reveals an important piece of our country's heritage. Molotsky
brings both legendary and unknown events and figures to vivid
life-from the flag's seamstress to the military heroes of the
War of 1812. In witty, accessible language, he charts the
little-known events leading up to the war, and the far-reaching
impact this obscure conflict has had on our national psyche. The
Flag, the Poet, and the Song also uncovers the facts and
fallacies surrounding the flag and the song