The Worst Songs in the World (The Terrible Truth About National Anthems)
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Product Details
Author:
David Pate
Format:
Paperback
Pages:
336
Publisher:
Dundurn Press (September 24, 2024)
Language:
English
Audience:
General/trade
ISBN-13:
9781459754560
ISBN-10:
1459754565
Weight:
16.8oz
Dimensions:
5.5" x 8.5" x 1"
File:
PGW-LEGATO-Metadata_Only_Publishers_Group_West_Customer_Group_Metadata_20260429164552-20260429.xml
Folder:
PGW
List Price:
$23.99
Country of Origin:
Canada
Case Pack:
24
As low as:
$20.63
Publisher Identifier:
P-PER
Discount Code:
C
Pub Discount:
60
Imprint:
Dundurn Press
Overview
The best-known songs in the world are violent, sexist, and religious — so why do we celebrate national anthems when we should be rewriting them?
“Fascinating and thoughtful ... showcases how anthems divide us even as they promise to bring communities together.” — MARK CLAGUE, author of O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of The Star-Spangled Banner
This fascinating popular history of national anthems begins in a London theatre in 1745 when the modern idea of anthems was born. They started out as triumphant expressions of national superiority by glorifying violence, claiming the support of God, and mostly ignoring women.
David Pate has experienced the violent side of anthems firsthand: as a schoolboy in Scotland, he was caned for refusing to sing “God Save the Queen.” He says it’s time to dump lyrics about cutting throats, watering fields with blood, building walls with the bodies of enemies, and celebrating the sound of machine guns.
The Worst Songs in the World looks at the origins of many of the world’s anthems, from the movie theme song that became China’s national anthem to the English tune used for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
This wide-ranging and deeply researched narrative combines politics, personalities, humour, and vivid storytelling to argue for better national songs.
“Fascinating and thoughtful ... showcases how anthems divide us even as they promise to bring communities together.” — MARK CLAGUE, author of O Say Can You Hear?: A Cultural Biography of The Star-Spangled Banner
This fascinating popular history of national anthems begins in a London theatre in 1745 when the modern idea of anthems was born. They started out as triumphant expressions of national superiority by glorifying violence, claiming the support of God, and mostly ignoring women.
David Pate has experienced the violent side of anthems firsthand: as a schoolboy in Scotland, he was caned for refusing to sing “God Save the Queen.” He says it’s time to dump lyrics about cutting throats, watering fields with blood, building walls with the bodies of enemies, and celebrating the sound of machine guns.
The Worst Songs in the World looks at the origins of many of the world’s anthems, from the movie theme song that became China’s national anthem to the English tune used for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
This wide-ranging and deeply researched narrative combines politics, personalities, humour, and vivid storytelling to argue for better national songs.
