By the Dawn's Early Light: The Story of the Star-Spangled Banner

Francis Scott Key, a Washington lawyer, witnessed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. From aboard a British ship where he was negotiating the release of a prisoner, Key watched the battle through the night and was inspired to write the poem that would become "The Star-Spangled Banner." The book chronicles the historical events that led to the creation of the United States' national anthem.