The Clements Bookworm: “O Say Can You Hear?, A Cultural Biography of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner'” an Author Conversation with Mark Clague

Mark Clague brilliantly weaves together the stories of the song and the nation it represents in his newest book In O Say Can You Hear?, A Cultural Biography of “The Star-Spangled Banner”. Examining the origins of both text and music, alternate lyrics and translations, and the song’s use in sports, at times of war, and for political protest, he argues that the anthem’s meaning reflects—and is reflected by—the nation’s quest to become a more perfect union. From victory song to hymn of sacrifice and vehicle for protest, the story of Key’s song is the story of America itself.

This episode of the Clements Bookworm was sponsored by the Alumni Association of the University of Michigan.

Register for this event at myumi.ch/gjgzR