Description
Book SynopsisAnalyzes the symbolic importance of the flag to the national consciousness of America and sees in it the very contradictions that make up our history: secularism and sacredness, freedom and empire, inclusiveness and aggressive self-confidence.
Trade Review". . . a charming little book, a quick read, and an interesting outsider's evaluation of the United States through its most potent symbol." -- Scot M. Guenter * The Journal of American History *
". . . the book touches on many interesting controversies (with the focus, as the title suggests, on exactly who owns the flag and whom it represents) and usefully presents a foreign perspective on the subject." -- R. J. Goldstein * Choice Magazine *
"Testi's highly readable and enjoyable small volume covers the abundant ground that lies between Betsy Ross and the flag wars following September 11, 2001." -- Eran Shalev * H-Net Reviews *
"In this charming, illuminating and original history of & The Stars and Stripes,Testi provides the kind of valuable insights into national understandings that only a deeply knowledgeable and thoroughly engaged outside observer can provide." -- Ellen DuBois,University of California, Los Angeles
"In this remarkable and insightful book, Testi extricates the flag from the mists and myths that surround it. He explores its origins and uses, and when and how the displaying of the flag servedand sometimes offendeddifferent groups at different times. Finally, he brilliantly contrasts the American flags history with that of the flags of two other revolutions, the French and Communist." -- David Thelen,Indiana University
"The U.S. flag has long evoked deep emotions among Americans. Arnaldo Testis insightful book now reveals just how varied those feelings have been over the nations history. He shows how a beloved icon can reflect both the best and the worst in the American soul and tell us something about who Americans think they are as a people." -- John Bodnar,Chancellor & Professor, Indiana University
"In this dynamic work…Testi provides readers with an engaging and fresh perspective that can only be provided by an outsider standing above the fray…Testi deftly explores the shifting cultural meanings of the American symbol, from 1776 through the growth of the American empire to the contentious debates occurring today." * Library Journal *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction Totem I Worship The Invention of a Tradition 1 The Spirit of '76 2 New Cults for Old Glory 3 Flag Etiquette II Freedom Whose Freedom? 4 God and the Flag 5 The Land of the Free 6 Multiple Traditions 7 American Jeremiad III Empire Frontiers Old and New 8 More Stars 9 Does the Constitution Follow the Flag? 10 Iwo Jima 11 Moon Landing IV Patriots and Dissenters Who Owns the Flag? 12 Desecration 13 Patriotic Pop 14 Capture the Flag Notes Index About the Author
