What So Proudly We Hailed

Author: Marc Leepson
Genre: Non-Fiction
Publisher: St. Martin's Publishing Group, 2014
Pages: 256
Rating: Recommend

Synopsis: What So Proudly We Hailed is the first full length biography of Francis Scott Key in more than 75 years. In this fascinating look at early America, historian Marc Leepson explores the life and legacy of Francis Scott Key. Standing alongside Betsy Ross, Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, Paul Revere, and John Hancock in history, Key made his mark as an American icon by one single and unforgettable act, writing The Star-Spangled Banner. 

Review: My husband and I are history buffs and one of the places we wanted to visit was Fort McHenry. I knew Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, but I went looking for more information about him. He seemed like one of those "forgotten" historical figures.

What So Proudly We Hailed answered all of my questions and was readable, not dry like some biographies can be. 

We made it to Fort McHenry before I finished reading the book, but knowing something about Key made visiting the fort even more interesting. Finishing the book after visiting brought the pages to life even more.

If I have one complaint or issue with the book it's that the author, like so many others in 2022, view 19th century America through a modern-day lens.