Patriotic Passages: Songs, Poems, and Documents from American Tradition

A romp through the songs, poems, and documents that shaped America's history.

Discover:

• the true meaning of the name "Yankee Doodle";
• the racism inherent in the third verse of our national anthem;
• how "America the Beautiful" can be sung to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne";
• the context of Lincoln's "Gettysburg Address";
• the identity of Walt Whitman's "O Captain! My Captain!";
• the origin of the phrase "Bury my heart at Wounded Knee";

and many more facts, trivial and not-so.

Each Passage includes:

• copious notes on the text;
• biographical information on the author; and
• the historical context in which it was written.

This book is ideal for use in a classroom setting or with book discussion groups.

These 35 Passages should be familiar to every American--or to anyone who wants to better understand the American spirit.

This is the PDF version of this book. For other versions please visit The Ancient World Press.