Book World: An anthem reflecting the wonder and warts of the nation that sings it
O Say Can You Hear: A Cultural Biography of The Star Spangled Banner
Stay updated with breaking news from Mark Clague. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
O Say Can You Hear: A Cultural Biography of The Star Spangled Banner
Booklist Online Book Review: O Say Can You Hear? A Cultural Biography of "The Star-Spangled Banner". <ParaStyle:ByStar
America’s national anthem forged a vision of unity. Today, says a musicologist, it can also highlight “whether the country is living up to its ideals.”
Clague’s fascinating story of America’s national anthem examines its history and powerful meaning today. In O Say Can You Hear? Mark Clague brilliantly weaves together the stories of the song and the nation it represents. Examining the origins of both text and music, alternate lyrics and translations, and the song’s use in sports, at times of war, and for political protest, he argues that the anthem’s meaning reflects?and is reflected by?the nation’s quest to become a more perfect union. From victory song to hymn of sacrifice and vehicle for protest, the story of Key’s song is the...
Mark Clague explores its meaning and music in “O Say Can You Hear” | Culture