“The Defence of Fort M’Henry” appearing in The Analectic Magazine, Volume IV.

KEY, Francis Scott.

Item Number: 143093

Philadelphia: Moses Thomas, 1814.

First magazine appearance of Francis Scott Key’s Star Spangled Banner. Octavo, bound in contemporary three quarters morocco over marbled boards. Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort M’henry at the Battle of Baltimore, during which the large American flag continued to wave over the American victory. On the heels of the American disgrace at Bladensburg, and the burning of Washington, the defense of Fort M’Henry breathed new life into the American cause. Key’s song was officially adopted as the national anthem in 1931. In very good condition.