The Flag of the United States by Hon. Frederick C. Hicks, Third Edition, 1926

Hicks, Frederick C. The Flag of the United States. Washington: W. F. Roberts Company, 1926. Third Edition. Octavo. Illustrated. In original leatherette boards with gilt titles to the spine and front boards. Presented with a new archival slipcase. 

Presented is The Flag of the United States by Hon. Frederick C. Hicks. This is the third edition of this book, revised and enlarged from previous editions. The book was privately published, printed by W. F. Roberts Company, in Washington, D.C. in 1926.  It is presented here in its original soft leatherette boards, with gilt titles to the spines and front boards. It is now protected with a new archival cloth slipcase.

The Flag of the United States first appeared as a speech delivered by Frederick C. Hicks, a representative from New York’s 1st District, before the House of Representatives on June 14, 1917. The speech was part of the House of Representatives’ celebration of Flag Day, the 140th anniversary of the adoption of the Stars and Stripes by the Continental Congress. The speech subsequently appeared in the Congressional Record. The second edition of The Flag of the United States was created as a public document in pamphlet form through a Resolution introduced in the Second Session of the 67th Congress on June 6, 1922 to meet the general demand for the popular speech. A third edition, revised and greatly enlarged, was assembled by Frederick Hicks during the summer and autumn of 1925 and then privately printed by Mrs. Hicks in May of 1926, after Frederick's passing in December of 1925. 

The Flag of the United States is a comprehensive guide to the history and symbolism of the American flag. Hicks traces the origins of the flag, from its earliest designs and colonial adaptations to the official flag design of the United States. He continues with a discussion of the colors used on our flag, as well as the symbolism of the stars and stripes. Hicks then details the changes of our flag over time, during wartime and as a result of new states joining the Union. 

Hon. Frederick C. Hicks (1872-1925) was an American banker and politician. He represented New York's 1st District in the U. S. House of Representatives, serving from 1915 to 1923. Hicks was very passionate about the study and symbolism of the American flag. He writes in the Foreword that, ”If this history will stimulate, even in the slightest degree, the patriotism of the reader or instill in the hearts of our people greater loyalty to our country and deeper reverence for our flag, I shall feel that the hours occupied in research and investigation have been profitably spent.”

CONDITION: 

Good condition overall. Octavo. In original leatherette boards with gilt titles to the spine and front boards. Bumping to the corners of the spine, light surface scratches to boards. Interior pages have toning, but are otherwise clean and unmarked. Illustrated throughout. 233pp. Presented with a new archival slipcase. 

Book Dimensions: 9 5/8"H x 6 1/2"W x 1 1/4"D. Slipcase Dimensions: 10"H x 7"W x 1 1/4"D.

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.