America's Songs

Battle Hymn of the Republic

There are key songs that hold significance long after the era in which they were written passes. "Battle Hymn of the Republic" is one such piece. Its history began in the Civil War era. Its words were written when the lyricist, Julia Ward Howe, visited a Union army camp in 1861. While initially the song was intended to rally abolitionists, soldiers, and suffragettes, its meanings are many. This engaging book examines how Howe's words continue to unfold today, while also tracing the unique history of the song's melody. Using easy-to-read sheet music, sidebars, fun facts, timelines, and historical and new photographs, this book tells the tale of how this song materialized and how it earned its place as one of the most patriotic songs in the United States.