SKU: 23075888066

O Say Can You Hear

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Description

O Say Can You HearDiscover the captivating narrative of America's national anthem in 'O Say Can You Hear?'. This brand new book, released in 2023 by W W Norton & Company, unravels the intricate story of how Francis Scott Key's powerful lyrics emerged during the War of 1812. Many know the basic tale of Key witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and feeling inspired to write the anthem, but this book goes deeper. It explores the anthem's journey from a simple

Discover the captivating narrative of America's national anthem in 'O Say Can You Hear?'. This brand new book, released in 2023 by W W Norton & Company, unravels the intricate story of how Francis Scott Key's powerful lyrics emerged during the War of 1812. Many know the basic tale of Key witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry and feeling inspired to write the anthem, but this book goes deeper. It explores the anthem's journey from a simple broadside ballad to its status as the one and only national anthem, sparking discussions and controversies along the way.

Mark Clague brilliantly examines the evolution of the song, shedding light on its alternate lyrics, historical performances, and its pivotal role in sports, war, and political protests. Each chapter delves into a unique aspect of the anthem’s impact on American culture, making it a must-read for history enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Discover how the anthem reflects America's ongoing quest for unity and justice, and trace the complex relationship between the song and significant social issues, including slavery.

The book invites readers to explore the powerful performances of the anthem, from Jimi Hendrix's iconic Woodstock rendition to Whitney Houston's unforgettable Super Bowl performance. Whether you're seeking to understand the rich history behind 'The Star-Spangled Banner' or looking for a thoughtful critique of its place in contemporary America, this book offers invaluable insights. Order today and immerse yourself in the story behind the song that has defined a nation.

Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9781324064473
Year: 2023
Publisher: W W Norton & Company


Description:


Most Americans learn the tale in elementary school: During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key witnessed the daylong bombardment of Baltimore's Fort McHenry by British navy ships; seeing the Stars and Stripes still flying proudly at first light, he was inspired to pen his famous lyric. What Americans don't know is the story of how this everyday "broadside ballad," one of thousands of such topical songs that captured the events and emotions of early American life, rose to become the nation's one and only anthem and today's magnet for controversy.

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 story of America itself.

Each chapter in the book explores a different facet of the anthem's story. In one, we learn the real history behind the singing of the anthem at sporting events; in another, Clague explores Key's complicated relationship with slavery and its repercussions today. An entire is chapter devoted to some of the most famous performances of the anthem, from Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock to Roseanne Barr at a baseball game to the iconic Whitney Houston version from the 1991 Super Bowl. At every turn, the book goes beyond the events to explore the song's resonance and meaning.

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SKU: 23075888066

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4.8 ★★★★★
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Verified Purchase
Dave M
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 1
Something's changed at Florsheim
Size: 11.5 Wide, Color: Black
I have a pair of size 11W Florsheim Palermo loafers that have lasted over 8 years and are still soft and exceptionally comfortable. Ordered a pair of 11W Florsheim Milano on Amazon but they are too small and have a cheap plastic sole. So, ordered 11.5W Florsheim Berkley and they were way too big. Returned them and ordered 11W Berkley instead and they were also too big ... and the Berkley also has a rubber sole instead of the original leather shown in the product photos. Guess they just don't make them like they used to.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2026
C
Verified Purchase
Cliff
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 3
Beware of the Brown Crazy Horse version.
NOTE: This review is COLOR SPECIFIC and concerns the Brown Crazy Horse version of this shoe. I am a loyal Florsheim customer having purchased Florsheim Imperials in years past. They are a fine shoe. However, I have to admit complete frustration with the Florsheim Berkley Flex Penny Loafer in "Brown Crazy Horse." The photos in the listing show a shoe with gloss...a shine. The photos on the box show a shoe with shine. Don't believe the photos. "Brown Crazy Horse" is, at best a dull matte finished leather. If you want a classic penny loafer with the classic Florsheim look this is NOT the color to choose. When the shoes arrived and the shoes did not match the photo on the box, I ignorantly assumed it was merely a case of the wrong shoes in the box so I exchanged them for another pair, which was a big mistake. It is Florsheim's incorrect photo and box label that caused me the inconvenience of going through two pair and then having to return both. I would assume other colors are as pictured in their listings because I cannot imagine that every Florsheim Berkley Flex Penny Loafer is a dull matte finish. I'm sorry that I do not have photos of the dull finished shoes. You'll have to take my word for it. They are a matte finish at best.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Dean
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Just right, great quality and value (in the price)
Size: 11.5 X-Wide, Color: Burgundy
Exactly what I'd expect from a Florsheim. I'm delighted. Folks, let me share one mistake I made on my way to a good fitting pair of shoes. I ordered some in my size (I have a big foot, especially in width). I ordered what I thought I needed and it came in wide enough, but too short (the short was the surprise), but we all are told: "Manufacturers vary in their sizes not only from each other but from shoe model to shoe model." I want you to know I believe in that when it applies to clothes, especially children's and womens fashions in my life's experiences, but NOT with shoes, especially main-brand-deluxe. I ordered the next half-size up and now I have too large, how can that be? I found out when I pulled the paper stuffing out, in particular the LAST glob that extends from the middle to the toe, that it WASN'T the last glob, there was indeed a rather small glob still way down in the toe, almost pointless for this minor bit of stuffing being separate from the other, but it was. I had already innocently troubled Amazon with returns of shoes that would have fit, so I'll keep the half-size too large as a life lesson. I ordered this pair in the size I believed I was all along and viola, a good fit. What changed? When that last toe piece of paper wadding that's hard to see and even harder with a big hand to reach, the shoe fit perfectly. That's a lot of trouble because of a small piece of paper that was hard to see, but that's why I write this review for you so that you can make sure all the paper is really out when you already think it is. Amazon has been good enough not to hold me accountable and in return I'll not only repeat buy, I tell you of my experience.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 3, 2014
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Verified Purchase
zz top fan
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Stylish and well made.
Size: 13 Wide, Color: Brown Crazy Horse
Good fit and well made. I have had good luck with Florsheim.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2026
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Verified Purchase
Amazon Customer
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
The Berkley Flex
Size: 7, Color: Cognac Multi
Very nice shoes, very comfortable, very nice leather. When ordering though, they fit a half size smaller than your size, because they are a tight-fitting shoe.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2025

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