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Product Description
First published in the Atlantic Monthly in 1863 and written to inspire patriotism and combat Northern sympathy with the Confederacy during the Civil War, this classic story met with immediate praise and acceptance. It concerns the fate of Philip Nolan, a young army officer who was caught up in the eddies of the Aaron Burr affair of 1807, and the granting of his wish "to never hear the name of the United States again."
Customer Review: Required Reading of the Best Kind
Hale's little masterpiece should be required reading for all Americans, immigrant or native-born. Hale was an ardent anti-slavery crusader -- and, incidentally, one of the founders of Chatauqua, bringing education and inspiration to the masses in the 19th century -- who wrote The Man Without a Country during the darkest days of the Civil War (1863) to inspire the Union. Reviewers who don't get it or think it is "patriotic tripe" obviously aren't mature enough to see it for AN ALLEGORY. I have ordered multiple copies and I intend to send at least one to the "Reverend" Jeremiah Wright, pastor of Barak Obama's church, who has recently echoed Philip Nolan's words, "G-d damn the United States! I wish I may never hear of the United States again!"
If the Reverend bothers to read to the end, he might benefit from reading Nolan's dying words: "For your country...and for that flag ...never dream a dream but of serving her as she bids you, though the service carry you through a thousand hells. No matter what happens to you, no matter who flatters you or abuses you, never look at another flag, never let a night pass but you pray God to bless that flag. Remember, son, that behind all these men..., behind officers and government, and people even, there is the Country Herself, your Country, and that you belong to her as you belong to your own mother. Stand by her, my son, as you would stand by your mother."
Customer Review: Never ,ever, turn your back on America
Hale gives us a small but powerfull treatise on patriotism here.A reminder that as Americans we can't abandon our beautiful land.My father once mentioned this story during one of our conversations and it struck me funny that he would know of this since he was not a big reader and I couldn't help but think that for him to remember it, it must have left a lasting and powerful image on him.I never read it in school and I now find it odd that it is not required reading but should be.Yes I know all the current troubles we are having with the alleged war with Iraq and all the other never ending Middle East garbage we have had to contend with lately but trust me, this will pass.I can only hope that we turn inward and try to fix our own problems instead of trying to fix everyone else's.This book concerns one Phillip Nolan, who turns his back on America and who pays the price of living without her for the rest of his life via an intricate method devised to keep any and all reference or news about America from him.His misery is palpable and he realizes just what an error in judgement he brought down upon his being as he is not only viewed as an outcast to be shunned but as a traitor,a fate most unpleasant.Kept at sea,transfered from ship to ship before reaching sight of land permenently kept him isolated and imbedded the feeling of isolation to an almost unbearable degree.His last days of longing for any news about America no matter how small or insignificant brings a sympathetic mate to his side but even then information is not brought forth without disregard to the initial nature of the crime and is delivered in metered amounts.If your patriotism ever weakens, read this book. Its brief, but imparts a strong message to us.We must always stand together in times of war and peace.America is the best country in the world despite world opinion.The deep, psychological punishment inflicted on Nolan can only serve to remind us what life would be like without our country even with all her imperfections.She is still the best the world has to offer as far as freedom and opportunity are concerned.Why would everyone be trying to get in as opposed to out.This little gem of a story makes plain why we need to stand together as Americans, more now than ever and should be read by every American both old and new.
Customer Review: Ugh
Ugh! Ideal-mad, patriotic tripe. The protagonist wishes never to see or hear about his country again, and instead of being unloaded in, say, France or even Africa - which would get him out of America's hair and comply with his wishes - he is tortured by being carried around on ships for the rest of his life. What the...?
Customer Review: An American classic
The man without a country, Philip Nolan who is condemned to sail the world without ever hearing again name or news of the country, that he has at his court-martial for an involvement with Aaron Burr, cursed. In the course of his wandering and through the many lonely years his longing for his country and his love for it becomes apparent. The great poem of Scott which he keeps in his heart and mind says it all for him ' Breathes there a man with soul so dead / who never to himself hath said/ this is my own , my native land/ Whose heart hath ne'er within him burned as home his footsteps he hath turned/ from wandering on a foreign strand/ If there such breeds / Mark him well/ For him no minstrel rapture swells/ High though his title/ Proud his name/ Boundless his wealth as wish could claim/ Despite these titles / power and pelf/ The wretch concentred all in self/ Living forfeit fair renown/ and Dying doubly shall go down/ To the vile dust/ From whence he sprung / Unwept, unhonored and unsung.
Philip Nolan sings the song of his own ignominy , repents , and shows his great love for his country.
As a child in school this book moved me very deeply. It is a true American classic. And it teaches the meaning and value of a patriotism which is not the refuge of scoundrels, but rather a genuine reflection of love of one's own native land and home.
Customer Review: The Story of Learning to Appreciate Being an American
I originally read this book in eighth grade, and recently had the desire to reread the book. The book was just as I remembered it. However, with a greater understanding of the world, I have learned to appreciate this classic even more. While an American may not agree with that the United States does, a perfect country or government has yet to be created. Philip Nolan made a statement in which he disowned his country in his younger days. It was a statement that he would quitely regret for the rest of his life. Even in exile, Nolan reflects loyalty to his country in his behavior. On his death bed, Nolan only wants to learn of what has happened to the country since he was exiled. He was able to die a happy man knowing how the country he loved had prospered. The story is intended to made readers appreciate their country. Sometimes it may be difficult to agree with the government. In the end, one realizes that they love their country like a parent or their own child. Nolan had to learn this lesson the hard way.
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