About the Book
The nation turns to it as an emotional, political, and patriotic symbol in good times and bad. Americans fly it everywhere we live and everywhere we go, from front porches in Florida to pickup trucks in Alaska. We display the red-white-and-blue American flag at festive events to celebrate and, at times of national tragedy, to grieve and show our resolve. We wrap ourselves in it in displays of patriotism, politics, nationalism, and jingoism.
The thirteen-stripe, fifty-star flag is as familiar an American icon as any that has existed in the nation's history. It stirs something in the hearts of Americans like no other symbol. Yet the history of the flag, especially its origins, is cloaked in myth and misinformation. "Flag: An American Biography" rectifies that situation by presenting a lively, comprehensive, illuminating look at the history of the American flag from its beginnings to today.
Journalist, historian, and author of the highly acclaimed "Saving Monticello"," " Leepson uncovers scores of little-known, fascinating facts as he traces the evolution of the American flag from the Colonial period to its prominent role as a symbol of American resolve in today's war against terrorism.
"Flag" sifts through the historical evidence to---among many other things---uncover the truth behind the Betsy Ross myth and to discover the true designer of the stars and stripes. The book also shines informing light on a string of colorful and influential Americans who shaped the history of the American flag.
Leepson analyzes the influence and impact of the maker of the star-spangled banner, Mary Pickersgill; the author of the national anthem, Francis Scott Key; the coiner of the phrase "Old Glory," U.S. Navy Capt. Samuel Driver; the first officer killed in the Civil War, Union Col. Elmer Ellsworth, who died defending the flag; the first African-American Medal of Honor recipient, William Carney, who carried the flag and led troops through a viciously bloody Civil War battle; the creator of Flag Day, Wisconsin schoolteacher B. J. Cigrand; the father of the pledge of allegiance, Francis Bellamy; and Joe Rosenthal, the AP photographer who took the most reproduced image of the twentieth century, the marines raising the American flag at Iwo Jima.
The American flag was seen as a symbol of a "divine plan" for the American ideal during the Civil War; as a symbol of the nation's historical heritage at the 1876 centennial celebrations; as a symbol conveying respect for the government and our social institutions---the so-called "cult of the flag"---in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. During the Vietnam War, the flag was a divisive emblem in a bitterly divided nation. In the wake of the events of September 11, 2001, the flag became an instant and widely used symbol of a nation united against terrorism.
""Flag"," "" as the novelist Nelson DeMille says in his preface, "is not a book with an agenda or a subjective point of view. It is an objective history of the American flag, well researched, well presented, easy to read and understand, and very informative and entertaining."
About the Author :
MARC LEEPSON has written for many publications, among them "The New York Times"," Smithsonian, Preservation, "the" Encyclopedia ""Americana"," The ""Washington"" Post"," The Christian Science Monitor, " and "USA Today." He is the author of five books, including "Saving Monticello"," " and lives with his family in Middleburg, Virginia.
Review :
Chronicling the two-centuries-plus history of the U.S. flag, Leepson considers the abundant stories that purport to be the truth about Old Glory. That moniker, like Francis Scott Key's naming the flag the "star-spangled banner," arose from reliable historical sources. But other commonly accepted views of the flag are more dubious, such as its depiction in historical paintings of the Revolutionary War--impossible, rules Leepson, since the Continental Army marched under regimental flags, not the drapery Betsy Ross stitched together under George Washington's approving eye, a legend almost certainly made from whole cloth. In truth, explains the author, interest in the flag's orgins dates from the Civil War and its aftermath, when nationalistic feeling about the flag first welled up, and ever since, in times of crisis, has been a distinctive American trait. Previously, the Stars and Stripes simply identified government installations. Its evolution into a symbol of popular affection, th--Taylor, Gilbert "Booklist "
Comprehensive, dispassionate chronicle of the potent banner that stirs up passions of every stripe. Leepson (Saving Monticello, 2001) compiles the curious history of Old Glory and the special veneration it often evokes. Few readers will be shocked by his revelation that the legend of Betsy Ross and her little shop may not be entirely factual. We''re reminded that in early American history the flag was used principally as a military or naval ensign and rarely flown by individual citizens. It is within living memory that Flag Day, the Flag Code, the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance received official recognition. After the strife of the Civil War, the Confederate Stars and Bars battle flag became part of history, along with the yarn about old Barbara Frietschie, and in efforts to display national unity the Starts and Stripes appeared all over, becoming a part of everyday commercial and political battles. The Union veterans'' organization promoted dsiplay of the Red, White and Blue in every schoolroom. The flag achieves apotheosis in wartime, and such times hav always been banner years for manufactureres of the country''s symbol. The image fo the flag-raising on Iwo Jima remains a national icon, and the colors have been proudly planted at the North Pole and on the Moon. But there have been periods when the flag was not saluted with pride by all, for example, during the discord over the Vietnam War. A mighty resurgance of popular display followed 9/11, when flags became ubiquitous in every medium and on every surface, from lapel to football field. Despite Flag Code strictures and the rules of flag etiquette, the Grand Old Flag is displayed day and night at used car lots, behindstar performers and on varied consumer products--including politicians of every stripe. Unflaggingly straightforward vexillary law, lore and legend, agreeably presented. (25 b&w photos)
