To the Flag

Richard J. Ellis is the Mark O. Hatfield Professor of Politics at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. His previous books include Democratic Delusions: The Initiative Process in America, The Dark Side of the Left: Illiberal Egalitarianism in America, and Presidential Lightning Rods: The Politics of Blame Avoidance.

An insightful, informative account of politics, patriotism, and - yes - paranoia. Indispensable background reading for civics classes. - Booklist ""A thoughtful, thorough history of America's most revered patriotic mantra.... Ellis reveals it to be the ultimate American paradox: a poem intended to unite the people instead has shown us to be a nation sharply divided over our own self-image. Recommended as a timely purchase."" - Library Journal ""Ellis deftly tells the story of America's fretful civic poem. Along the way we encounter socialism, race fears, ethnic antagonism, patriots, millenarianism, and bored school kids. Fine, thoughtful, and delightful."" - James A. Morone, author of Hellfire Nation: The Politics of Sin in American History ""A fascinating and gracefully written book that should be required reading for all Americans."" - Martha C. Nussbaum, author of For Love of Country? ""A lively study."" - Chronicle of Higher Education