Customer Reviews

The Man Without a Country

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"The Man Without a Country," written by Edward Everett Hale in 1863, tells the story of Philip Nolan, a young lieutenant in the United States Navy, who, at his court martial for treason, damned the United States and cavalierly wished that he might never hear her name again. Nolan's sentence was to have his wish fulfilled. For fifty-five years he was kept at sea, being repeatedly transferred from ships that approached land to those that were headed out to sea. Although Nolan was not treated like a prisoner, a unique protocol was developed that kept him from hearing or seeing any news from home.

Because of obscure references (especially early in the story) and some archaic wording, reading the story aloud is recommended. This provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that much can be gleaned from a story even when references are not completely understood. Pausing periodically to summarize the main points can help to keep students involved until you get to Hale's anecdotes that will truly captivate them.

In addition to delineating the consequences of an impetuous act, "The Man Without a Country" provides a thought-provoking portrait of a patriot. In essays or debates students might consider Was Nolan's sentence fair? Should he have been pardoned?

I can't believe the reader from Allentown didn't care for this book. I first read this story in high school and remember how choked up I got over Phillip's absolute and total love for a country he hasn't been able to see or hear about for over half his life due to his impassioned, yet stupid youthful declaration that he "never wanted to hear his country's name again!".

I hope other would-be readers listen to the other reviews and try this book. You WILL NOT be disappointed. You will be fighting back tears by the end of this story. As I said, I read this book while in my teens and still enjoy re-reading it. You will cherish what you have after you finish.

When Philip Nolan spewed out the words, "Damn the United States! May I never hear her name again!", the (c 1812) tribunal decided that that indeed would be his punishment for his involvement with Aaron Burr: Never to see or hear of his birth land again. The poignancy of this consequence through his long years of exile/imprisonment on U.S. ships crescendoes to the denoument, when the evidence of Nolan's encounter with what he had lost is described. Beautifully written. No flag-waving overt patriotism here. Subtle. Inferential. Puts one in touch with what we take so much for granted in the U.S. of A.!

Philip Nolan, a man who is sentenced to remain at sea for his entirelife, with the punishment to never hear nor see of the United States again. Hale captures patriotism and heroic efforts in one man as Nolan bravely tries to hide the fact he still loves his country, but shall never see it again. It makes you proud to be an American and live under the glory that our forefathers fought for. So many times have I read this story, and each time I can barely get past parts that bring a tear to my eye. Ultimately a great and powerful book for any reader who enjoys a story of love, agony, and pride.

I originally read this book in eighth grade, and recently had the desire to reread the book. The book was just as I remembered it. However, with a greater understanding of the world, I have learned to appreciate this classic even more. While an American may not agree with that the United States does, a perfect country or government has yet to be created. Philip Nolan made a statement in which he disowned his country in his younger days. It was a statement that he would quitely regret for the rest of his life. Even in exile, Nolan reflects loyalty to his country in his behavior. On his death bed, Nolan only wants to learn of what has happened to the country since he was exiled. He was able to die a happy man knowing how the country he loved had prospered.

The story is intended to made readers appreciate their country. Sometimes it may be difficult to agree with the government. In the end, one realizes that they love their country like a parent or their own child. Nolan had to learn this lesson the hard way.

How sad that to some of the reviewers reading has become a chore and that a book without "hair pulling" and other action is boring. This is a too-often overlooked masterpiece. Read it. Today. And a year from now. And again later. You will not be disappointed.

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The man without a country, Philip Nolan who is condemned to sail the world without ever hearing again name or news of the country, that he has at his court-martial for an involvement with Aaron Burr, cursed. In the course of his wandering and through the many lonely years his longing for his country and his love for it becomes apparent. The great poem of Scott which he keeps in his heart and mind says it all for him ' Breathes there a man with soul so dead / who never to himself hath said/ this is my own , my native land/ Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned as home his footsteps he hath turned/ from wandering on a foreign strand/ If there such breeds / Mark him well/ For him no minstrel rapture swells/ High though his title/ Proud his name/ Boundless his wealth as wish could claim/ Despite these titles / power and pelf/ The wretch concentred all in self/ Living forfeit fair renown/ and Dying doubly shall go down/ To the vile dust/ From whence he sprung / Unwept, unhonored and unsung.
Philip Nolan sings the song of his own ignominy , repents , and shows his great love for his country.
As a child in school this book moved me very deeply. It is a true American classic. And it teaches the meaning and value of a patriotism which is not the refuge of scoundrels, but rather a genuine reflection of love of one's own native land and home.

Hale gives us a small but powerfull treatise on patriotism here.A reminder that as Americans we can't abandon our beautiful land.My father once mentioned this story during one of our conversations and it struck me funny that he would know of this since he was not a big reader and I couldn't help but think that for him to remember it, it must have left a lasting and powerful image on him.I never read it in school and I now find it odd that it is not required reading but should be.Yes I know all the current troubles we are having with the alleged war with Iraq and all the other never ending Middle East garbage we have had to contend with lately but trust me, this will pass.I can only hope that we turn inward and try to fix our own problems instead of trying to fix everyone else's.This book concerns one Phillip Nolan, who turns his back on America and who pays the price of living without her for the rest of his life via an intricate method devised to keep any and all reference or news about America from him.His misery is palpable and he realizes just what an error in judgement he brought down upon his being as he is not only viewed as an outcast to be shunned but as a traitor,a fate most unpleasant.Kept at sea,transfered from ship to ship before reaching sight of land permenently kept him isolated and imbedded the feeling of isolation to an almost unbearable degree.His last days of longing for any news about America no matter how small or insignificant brings a sympathetic mate to his side but even then information is not brought forth without disregard to the initial nature of the crime and is delivered in metered amounts.If your patriotism ever weakens, read this book. Its brief, but imparts a strong message to us.We must always stand together in times of war and peace.America is the best country in the world despite world opinion.The deep, psychological punishment inflicted on Nolan can only serve to remind us what life would be like without our country even with all her imperfections.She is still the best the world has to offer as far as freedom and opportunity are concerned.Why would everyone be trying to get in as opposed to out.This little gem of a story makes plain why we need to stand together as Americans, more now than ever and should be read by every American both old and new.

I LIKE TO SAY THAT THE BOOK WAS VERY GOOD. YOU COULD LEARN A LOT OF HISTORY IN THIS BOOK.NOW ABOUT THE MOVIE.THE ACTORS DID A GREAT JOB.