The name of Francis Scott Key is practically synonymous with the national anthem of the United States of America. Born in 1779, when the Revolutionary War was still in progress, this famous American grew up on a Maryland plantation. He was a serious youngster, deeply religious, patriotic, eager, and lively.

Even as a boy, Francis enjoyed writing verses for his relatives and friends, but he never took his writing seriously. In 1814, however, his patriotic fervor found expression in the "Star-Spangled Banner."

It was during the third year of the War of 1812 that British Admiral Cockburn ordered the arrest and imprisonment of a kindly Maryland physician, Dr. Beanes. When Francis Scott Key, the state's most distinguished lawyer, heard of Cockburn's outrageous action, he set out to free his beloved friend.

Together with Colonel John Skinner, Key set sail from Baltimore in a speedy little cartel ship. When they had overtaken the British fleet, Key sought the immediate release of Dr. Beanes from the ship's prison. The stubborn Cockburn reluctantly agreed to free the old physician. However, he told Key that his fleet was about to attack Baltimore and that he could not allow any of the Americans to leave until after the attack.

Thus the stage was set for Francis Scott Key to pen his famous lines. Together with Colonel Skinner and Dr. Beanes, Key watched the British battleships open fire on Fort McHenry, which guarded the city.

Through the long night of continuous bombardment, the three patriots kept a helpless but hopeful vigil. Occasionally the light from a fireball revealed the "Stars and Stripes" still flying over the battered fort. On these occasions, Key and his companions took heart. It was in this dramatic situation that Francis Scott Key was inspired to compose the words which are now known and loved by all Americans, young and old.

Augusta Stevenson once again has brought to life a famous American. When she wrote Abe Lincoln: Frontier Boy, the Childhood of Famous Americans Series was born. Since that time Miss Stevenson has written books about many other American heroes and heroines.

Francis Scott Key: Maryland Boy is a high watermark in publishing; it is the twenty-fifth book which Miss Stevenson has written for the Childhood Series. This volume adds to the stature of a writer who is recognized as one of America's foremost storytellers.

From the dust jacket