'Jonathan Raban is one of the world's greatest living travel writers.' William Dalrymple 'The best book of travel ever written by an Englishman about the United States' Jan Morris, Independent Navigating the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to New Orleans, Raban opens himself to experience the river in all her turbulent and unpredictable old glory. Going wherever the current takes him, he joins a coon-hunt in Savana, falls for a girl in St Louis, worships with black Baptists in Memphis, hangs out with the housewives of Pemiscot and the hog-king of Dubuque. Through tears of laughter, we are led into the heartland of America - with its hunger and hospitality, its inventive energy and its charming lethargy - and come to know something of its soul. The journey is as much the story of Raban as it is of the Mississippi. Navigating the dangerous, ever-changing waters in an unsuitably fragile aluminium skiff, he immerses himself with an irresistible emotional intensity as he tries to give shape to the river and the story - finding himself by turns vulnerable, curious, angry and, like all of us, sometimes foolishly in love.
Lively verse in large, easy-to-read type is paired with bold illustrations to create a stunning book about the American flag for even the youngest reader. A comprehensive history of the flag is included at the end, making this book especially useful for both classroom and home all year round.
Its simple I wanted a different title that is catching to the very heart of the public. So I chose "Old Glory USA" which I think to be of fitting to our nations flag, stars and stripes with our every star placed upon it in heart, joys or even ups and downs our own struggles, I think this point America is ready for something new. America is ready for the new ups of something. And that is my hopes through this rare poetry book series. I come to place as I call to be, we're in a time which America needs new found celebrations. I believe in country, peoples and God most of all united for one greater America.
Because of You Old Glory Flies is a collection of heartfelt poems and illustrations to say thank you to all who have served, or currently serve in the United States military. In creating this book, Julie Dueker and Ray “Bubba” Sorensen II, a.k.a. The Freedom Rock Painter, have combined their unique talents and passions for God and country to show America’s heroes we are forever in their debt. They pray this book touches the hearts and lives of those who open it and share it. “I’m impressed with Julie’s work to capture the essence of hero. There are heroes all around us and some we would never know served in our nation’s military to defend the rights and privileges that we hold dear. We can never repay them enough for all that they and their families have given to the rest of us. Many are in cemeteries across our land and overseas. Some didn’t return at all. Others live quietly in our communities continuing to give of themselves for the good of others. America’s greatness lies on the backs of our veterans and those who serve today. They have fought and died for us. I believe Julie’s works depict that very well.” –Colonel Robert C. King (Ret)
Have you ever wondered why the American colors are red, white, and blue? Did you know that our national mascot was almost a turkey rather than a bald eagle? Can you trace your family's ancestry back to the Mayflower Pilgrims, or perhaps to a cowboy of the Old West? Do you think you would like to spend Thanksgiving watching footraces rather than televised football or eating venison and oysters rather than turkey? Many of us have played with Lincoln Logs, but did you know that they were named after President Abraham Lincoln, who was born in a log cabin? Symbols have always played a crucial role in shaping our identity as a country. The American buffalo, the Statue of Liberty, the Mayflower, and Uncle Sam himself have all helped convey to the world the American values of liberty and democracy. Delno and Jean West's lively prose unveils the stories behind America's symbols, complemented by Christopher Manson's handsome woodcuts, which perfectly convey the rugged individualism of the American spirit.
This book is a comprehensive history of the American flag, also known as Old Glory. It covers the evolution of the flag design, the symbolism of each element on the flag, and the historical significance of its use in wars and other pivotal moments in American history. A must-read for anyone interested in American patriotism and the history of the United States. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
The origins of the United States flag have been tangled in claims and counterclaims throughout the country's history. While most Americans accept the story of Betsy Ross, scholars believe that Captain Samuel Chester Reid was actually the designer of the flag we know today, with thirteen stripes and a star for each state. This and many other facts about the United States flag can be found in this book. Based in large part on the U.S. Flag Code (Title 36, Ch. 10, secs. 170-178), it includes information on the proper display of and respect for the flag, the history of the National Anthem and the Pledge of Allegiance, and the origins of the Stars and Stripes. Other flag laws, including some state provisions, and their penalties are also discussed.
This story is about Captain William Driver as told by his Great-Great-grandson, Jack Benz, in collaboration with other writers and advisers. The text is strikingly enhanced by over 200 professionally crafted images and by an appendix of founding father documents. The resources substantially came from Benz's collection of items up to 200 year's old. Some episodes are in print for the first time. Captain Driver was born in Salem, MA in 1803 to puritan parents within a culture and heritage of seafarers. His homes were ports and vessels that sailed the vast oceans in the early 19th century. It is a true story of adventure, daring, high drama, heroism, patriotism, and incomparable public service on behalf of the helpless. Young William was gifted beyond his year's as evidenced by his scholarliness in the Salem's famed Hacker school, and at 14, his hiring on a trading vessel. This background immersed him in ventures around the world, seeking fame and fortune trading rare spices and other prized commodities. By 21, he captained ships that circled the world on odysseys that exposed him to numerous dangerous encounters at sea, including horrific storms and turbulence with waves over 50 feet high. Ashore, he confronted life-changing events in the lands of cannibals, giants, pirates, savages, and scantily clad island women. In a famous episode, he rescued families of survivors of the original mutineers on HMS ship Bounty and delivered them to their adopted home on Pitcairn Island. This venture was part and parcel in numerous movies, including one receiving an academy award for the best picture of the year and touted best nautical film of all times. Captain Driver retired young and wealthy and moved to Nashville, TN. with his third wife. Two others predeceased him, and the third is shocking. In this city on the rocks, he was an activist Union sympathizer generally shunned by the largely Confederate citizenry at a time Civil War was imminent. As a staunch abolitionist living where the city even owned slaves, he was a misfit. He and his home place often were vilified because of his views, crusty manner, and irritating practice of displaying Old Glory, his ship's legendary flag. The residents viewed him as a cantankerous rabble-rouser, always rocking the boat and supporting unpopular causes on behalf of the downtrodden, exploited, and uneducated-mainly Native Americans, Negroes, women, the sick and infirmed. He was their defender, friend, spokesman, and hero. Driver was active in civic affairs, once running for mayor and later holding several governmental offices. Among his significant civic achievements were helping facilitate the establishment of public education in Nashville, and as provost, regulating prostitution and disease control. The Captain routinely picked fights over issues with the churches, government, and establishments in general; even with some in his family members, their discord led to estrangement. His uniqueness is best described in his patriotism evidenced by his fierce defense, respect, and reverence for Old Glory. He had observed and experienced its influence around the world--feared, honored, and respected like no other country's flag. He proclaimed its majesty to be so profound it even waves to defend the rights of those whose actions and speech are cowardly despicable. As a bonus, the book offers ancillary educational information about world cultures, history, geography, navigation, philosophy, religion, and science. Preliminary reviews termed it as attractively presented, cleverly written, edifying, and intensely entertaining-a must-read!
Inspiring images and personal and historical stories about the American flag accompany the poem My Name is Old Glory in this gorgeous book. This poem, written by unsung U.S. Marine Howard Schnauber, is read at retirements and military ceremonies. My Name is Old Glory celebrates two-hundred years of the red, white, and blue.
