Tab Article

Ratings: ★★★★☆ (4.2/5)
Genre: Travel, History, Music, Current Affairs, Non-Fiction

Book Review:
We've all heard them—at sporting events, on state occasions, at the beginning of the school day. But how much do we really know about national anthems? Where do they come from? Who wrote them? And why do they have the power to move us to tears or to fury? Alex Marshall's Republic or Death! is a brilliant, witty, and endlessly entertaining quest for answers to these questions.

Marshall, a journalist with a restless curiosity, travels the world to uncover the stories behind the world's anthems. His journey takes him to unexpected places and introduces him to a cast of unforgettable characters. In France, he cycles the route taken by revolutionary soldiers as they first sang ''La Marseillaise,'' a song so violent it was once banned. In the United States, he enters a competition to find the best singer of ''The Star-Spangled Banner,'' a notoriously difficult song to sing. In Nepal, he attempts to bribe his way into the presence of the deposed king to learn the story of the world's only anthem written on a Casio keyboard.

But Marshall's quest is not just about famous songs. He also explores the anthems of smaller, less familiar nations, from the former Soviet republics to the micro-states of Europe. He uncovers stories of revolution, war, and political intrigue. He shows how anthems have been used to inspire patriotism, to promote nationalism, and to oppress minority groups. He also explores the strange and often controversial role of anthems in the modern world, from their use at sporting events to the debates over whether they should be rewritten or replaced.

Marshall's writing is lively, engaging, and often hilarious. He has a sharp eye for absurdity and a genuine affection for his subject. He doesn't just tell us about anthems; he makes us feel their power. He describes the thrill of hearing a crowd sing together, the weight of history in a few bars of music, and the strange, almost mystical connection between a song and a nation's soul.

Republic or Death! is a book that will change the way you hear national anthems forever. It is a fascinating, eye-opening, and hugely enjoyable read that combines travel writing, history, and music journalism into a unique and unforgettable whole. As The Times said, it is ''entertaining… reminding us that there are countries whose national tune still has a power to inspire.'' A must-read for anyone with a curious mind.