- Paperback: 40 pages
- Publisher: Scholastic Press; Reprint edition (July 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0590450557
- ISBN-13: 978-0590450553
- Product Dimensions: 27.4 x 21.3 x 0.5 cm
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 4,404,816 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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First Sentence
Between 1793 and 1814, France, led by the power-hungry Napoleon, waged war against many European countries. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
Between 1793 and 1814, France, led by the power-hungry Napoleon, waged war against many European countries. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
A superb telling of the story of the Star-Spangled Banner
4 Oct 2002
Format:Paperback
I think the vast majorities of stories I have heard about how Francis Scott Key came to write the words of "The Star Spangled Banner" begin with Key being held as a prisoner on a British ship during the attack on Ft. McHenry. In "By the Dawn's Early Light: The Story of The Star Spangled Banner," author Steven Kroll begins with Key, a well-known Washington lawyer, being informed that Dr. William Beanes had been arrested by the British. It seems the doctor had been treating British wounded after the attack on Washington, D.C., and had some unruly stragglers arrested. Key gets permission from President Madison to try and affect the doctor's release.
Kroll's narrative follows the events from August 13, 1814, when Key was informed of Beanes's plight, to when Key's poem, originally called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," was published in the "Baltimore American." I like the way Kroll weaves all sort of historical details into his narrative, making this the most memorable account of the writing of the national anthem that I have come across. The story being told is complimented by the oil paintings of Dan Andreasen, which are done in a style reminiscent of what you found in classic children's books during the Fifties. There is also a photographic reproduction of the original manuscript of Key's poem that her wrote in a hotel after the battle.
In his Author's Note Kroll explains that it was the fort's storm flag, measuring 25 by 17 feet, that was flying overhead during the battle. The flag that was raised in celebration, as Key sailed back into Baltimore, was the larger, garrison flag for Ft. McHenry (both flags were made by Mary Pickersgill). When I last visited the Smithsonian Institute I was memorably surprised by the display of the Ft. McHenry flag, which, I assume, was the aforementioned storm flag. At least, that is how I would interpret what I have read; I might be wrong.
Kroll's narrative follows the events from August 13, 1814, when Key was informed of Beanes's plight, to when Key's poem, originally called "The Defense of Fort McHenry," was published in the "Baltimore American." I like the way Kroll weaves all sort of historical details into his narrative, making this the most memorable account of the writing of the national anthem that I have come across. The story being told is complimented by the oil paintings of Dan Andreasen, which are done in a style reminiscent of what you found in classic children's books during the Fifties. There is also a photographic reproduction of the original manuscript of Key's poem that her wrote in a hotel after the battle.
In his Author's Note Kroll explains that it was the fort's storm flag, measuring 25 by 17 feet, that was flying overhead during the battle. The flag that was raised in celebration, as Key sailed back into Baltimore, was the larger, garrison flag for Ft. McHenry (both flags were made by Mary Pickersgill). When I last visited the Smithsonian Institute I was memorably surprised by the display of the Ft. McHenry flag, which, I assume, was the aforementioned storm flag. At least, that is how I would interpret what I have read; I might be wrong.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Rich, vivid, outstanding
22 Jan 2008
Format:Paperback
I love a book that brings a historical event to life with rich illustrations and vivid storytelling, captivating the reader in such a way that he absorbs the details of the event without even realizing it. Yet a truly outstanding historical book must do this without either sacrificing or embellishing the facts. By the Dawn's Early Light fits the bill on every count. What a pleasure it was to read it with my children. At 9 & 12, they do not "need" to learn from picture books, but when the book is this good, why not? The marvelous watercolors drew us into the story, the engaging narrative kept us there and, with the accompanying notes, told us all we needed to know about this event in our country's history. It is worthy of a place on my shelf and is a book I wish I'd bought long ago.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Your young patriots will love it
30 Aug 2011
Format:Paperback
I may as well confess it: I am a sucker for tall-masted ships. The illustrations in this book knock my socks off. Drop-dead gorgeous ships.
Great book about the history of the American Natinal Anthem (includes all 4 verses -- they are majestic.) Very complete and inspirational book.
Great book about the history of the American Natinal Anthem (includes all 4 verses -- they are majestic.) Very complete and inspirational book.
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