A Flag Worth Dying For: The Power and Politics of National Symbols (2) (Politics of Place) Hardcover – July 4, 2017

What a better round the world guided tour than reading Tim Marshall's "A Flag Worth Dying For". Colorful and rich in detail, Marshall gives us brief (and occasionally not so brief) histories of how flags came into being for many nations.Vexillology, or the study of flags, begins with our own Stars and Stripes. While, as an American, this chapter I know best, there were still facts presented that added to my knowledge. A particular treat in the first couple of chapters is the author's sense of humor in his narration. As he moves through Europe through the Middle East and to Asia, Marshall's humor lessens as the culture of war becomes more dramatic in assessing the development of flags in these areas. Geographically, we go south of the equator to visit Africa and South America. What strikes me most are the similarities of flags in certain regions...i.e. Scandanavia and Central America. Finally, Marshall ends up with a chapter called, "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" which features the Jolly Roger, the Olympics and the Rainbow Flag.Nicely ordered in accompaniment to the story are all the flags that the author discusses. It's a nice reference point to an unusual but important book. I highly recommend it.

Wow. Just finished this book and I am amazed that it was even published. There is a lot of inaccurate info here. I think one of the biggest mistakes was when he explained what the 3 colors of the Italian flag made us think of. Tomato, mozzarela and avocado!!! Yess avocado!!!!! Are you sure you are talking about the italian flag and not the mexican flag? Avocados are from Mexico. There is absolutely no Italian dish that includes avocado. The green should be basil or olives but not avocados. I don’t know what country this guy is from that has had avocado in their italian food. And actually even tomatoes are from Mexico and Central America. They were brought into Europe in the 1500s and only then did the Italians start using it in their dishes. The word tomato comes from the aztec word “tomatl”. Only truth in that phrase is the mozzarella. I think he needs to actually go to italy and see what real Italian food is like.

Very interesting to read. However there are only a handful of black/white images of the flags. If an exotic flag is described over 5 pages, at least include an image so I don't have to google it...

Shipped it back - we actually found inaccurate information.

Man can't put this down..good book

This was a gift.

It’s an easy read. It combines well geopolitics, history, flags and the power that symbols play in our world. Offers a fresh perspective and different take about flags that many often overlook.

A decent entry into a very sparse collection of books about flags. However, the effort seemed rushed and often times faulty or too little information was given.As an introduction to the study of flags it leaves too much unexplained or undefined for too long. As a serious book for those more 'in the know' about flags and vexillology (the study of flags) it doesn't have quite enough new to add. When you add to that the generally casual tone and voice of the author, its hard to know who this book is for.Overall, however, it is nice to have a new book to add to the library of any serious fan of flags, but if you are well versed in world flag lore and categorization, this may not have anything to say to you.

A complete let down after the much better "Prisoners of Geography" by the same author. This outing however delves into the worst self-absorbing arrogance and ignorance that is prevalent in many corners of the US today. If you can stomach the author wildly describing his country as the "greatest nation on earth" and "best country that ever existed" without reaching for a bucket to spew into you will do well. Never was a book easier to put down!

It’s ok. This book is nowhere near as interesting as Marshall’s previous book “Prisoners of Geography”. Some chapters are fairly insightful - for example the chapter about the flags in use in the United States, and how some groups have hijacked some flags. However, this chapter contains mind numbingly uninteresting dissections over inane details of some flags. This unfortunately happens in every chapter.The chapter about European flags is dull and disjointed. After an uninteresting look over some minor detail of some European flag, the next paragraph will clumsily move onto another country’s flag in what can only be described as the opposite of a segue. It also does not cover all European flags, just a seemingly random subset.This chapter also contains a few irritating careless statements, such as “the rise of Islam in Europe” and “mass migration in Europe”. Statements of this weight demand backing up with some basic numbers - something that Marshall neglects to do. The fact that they are not can be taken as a reflection of the paranoia that we see here in Europe.There are some interesting historical tidbits that can be taken away from the text - for example the British and the French involvement in the Arab world and it’s borders. It’s worth noting that Mauritania fails to be recognised as an arab state by Marshal, but Turkey is for some reason.On the whole, this book is ok but could be a lot more concise. It serves up some good nuggets of historical fact, but much of this is diluted by uninteresting discussions over small flag details. I was hoping it would be a look into the people that stand behind flags, and what they mean for them, but it wasn't.

After reading 'Prisoners of Geography' I was optimistic that anything by TM would be edifying, as indeed this is, but this book has put me off the whole idea of flags except for odd occasions when it's necessary temporarily to identify a group or individual. Their appeal is unwholesome and, in a Christian context, seems idolatrous. I would have welcomed some investigation into the psychology behind the appeal of flags rather than such detailed history of their various colours and emblems. As he says, a fully comprehensive volume would need to be larger than this book allowed, but if he found space for the Red Cross, he could have found just a little space for the Esperanto flag which has a very interesting history and is, perhaps, one of the very few with no blood staining its folds.

So taken with Marshall's 'Prisoners of Geography' work that I ordered this while still in full flow of the first. You may have thought Prisoners to be reasonably comprehensive and certainly it was eye opening, this great follow up read brought yet more little historic and anecdotal gems to our attention.Being sensitive or blunt depending on subject, Marshall has a refreshing tongue in cheek style that brightens up what could be dull yet informative moments. Much time has been given to research and seeking out those people who were involved in certain flags' development.I was delighted to find a comprehensive section on South American countries, an area which is often hard to find within such texts and was certainly absent in Marshall's Prisoners of Geography. Their fascinating history has been introduced to us here, with their flags.Yes, it could be said that much of this work could have been done during Marshall's working life, but thankfully he did collate and present minutiae that is intriguing. It is in my view, among the better modern day anthropological works and as such, will be a valid read for a long time and will also give a good account of how we were at the time of its being written.There is a minor error with editing though. The central glossy pages show the flags mentioned in full glowing colour. It is compelling to follow these while reading the text. One flag's country has been mis-named, which is unfortunate. But - this has been an editing error and should not interrupt your enjoyment of the body of work.

I read Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall and thought it was brilliant so went and bought his next two books.Worth Dying For and Divided are excellent reads and Marshall's insight and intellect are fascinating. They are must reads and they are written with a wry wit and are completely absorbing.Tim Marshall has become my favourite authority on our ever changing world and I recommend this book wholeheartedly!

Interesting but long winded. I did not enjoy it as much as Prosoners of Geography which I thought was first class

I made the mistake to buy this book after reading his previous "Prisoners of Geography". And I was massively disappointed. The book seemed very "unnecessary and more as a book you "have-to-write" to take advantage of the positive wave...

This is an interesting account of the history of flags and why they become the symbols to which people attach such importance. The illustrations of various flags, grouped into region and purpose are very useful.An unusual book, and very interesting and enjoyable to read

The class and pretentions of the author come through in this book. The one flag he omits from his book, and the one flag which could unite the human race, excepting invasion, as he says, from outer space, is The Black Flag of Anarchy; the flag made from the ashes of all burnt nation state flags. Disappointing considering its historic influence on the 20th century, especially WWI and it's hope for a hopelessy divided species. But middle class journalism and failure to entertain radical alternatives the planet, with all its symbols of division and hatred, so desparately needs.Further, I am certain that the author has never been to Sweden as they are the proudest flag wavers I have ever come across in extensive travels.

Tim Marshall makes learning about flags humorous and interesting. The book has lots of little anecdotes about how a particular flag was created. I particularly liked the story about the man who created Nigeria’s flag in the sixties and was not recognized for his efforts until he was discovered 40 years kater living in poverty. I also liked the story of the Olympic bronze medalist who stole an Olympic flag and ended up giving it back 50 years later.

I enjoyed this book, it is rather an easy read but that is in no way a negative, instead it is engaging and interesting and well worth your time if you have even a passing interest in the subjects related to this book. Tim Marshall writes in an informative and entertaining manner and I look forward to reading "Prisoners of Geography"which I purchased at the same time.

Have only just started this but see no reason why it's not good. Tim Marshall is good. I read prisoner of geography which I enjoyed. Thanks for reminding me! It is on my Kindle and had mislaid it!

Ordered this as I’d Previously read Prisoners of Geography, insightful look at the reasons some of the worlds flags look as they do.

very well written and researched but written with an easy flow.

Tim Marshall writes with skill and insight and an infectious enthusiasm for his subject matter. If you enjoyed "Prisoners of Geography" you'll find this a real page-turner.