Many years ago, when this book was first released around 1973 to 1974, my mother bought it for me to read. I can still remember reading this book as a youngster, studying the pictures and text to learn what happened at that time in United States history. It inspired me in my quest to understand history better which has lasted a lifetime. Many years later, after seeing a special on The War of 1812, I recalled this book and reordered it, remembering how important it was in my development.
What a delight! The artistry is phenomenal (albeit the images are small, they are almost panoramic in scope and achievement). I was really amazed at the use of light and colors. His images are very powerful and awe-inspiring. The perspectives are taken from inside the fort (Fort McHenry) during the battle/invasion as well as from the decks of the British warships. After the main story is told, there are images of this great country and all of her beauty including more than just those of Fort McHenry (which in and of itself had an incredible history if you ever decide to visit it in Baltimore, Maryland). The drawings/paintings include a broad sweep of America from Hawaii to Washington, D. C., from San Francisco to our naval ships on the high seas defending the United States shores, from the small town main street to the fields and valleys of our heartland. There are images of monuments like the Lincoln monument to the Capitol Building, and displays of our American potential and might as an aerospace giant and industrial powerhouse. Even somber tones of a cemetery with an American flag waving to relate that freedom is not free is next to images of our religious heritage. What patriotic glimpses that the author has crafted for the reader. (No wonder as a small child I was so inspired).
Subsequently, are the musical notations of "The Star-Spangled Banner" followed by a very brief history of the War of 1812, followed by the history of the Star-Spangled Banner" and the flag's "journey" from its original owner to the Smithsonian Museum. This is all placed between the inside covers in which many of the flags of the United States, past and present, are adorned for the reader to peruse. Peter Spier, the author of this book, did something wonderful here. It stands, no it shines, as a labor of love and a gift for a wonderful country to be respected, loved and admired. His storytelling brings to life one of our founding moments and is done in a truly beautiful and amazing way. Thank you for the years of enjoyment. Simply incredible.
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