First edition. By 1969, the Maryland Historical Society held one of the world's best collections of printed and manuscript material related to "The Star-Spangled Banner." In the same year, the Society celebrated its 125th anniversary by mounting what was, at the time, the most significant exhibit ever assembled. The exhibit was originally intended to include materials owned by the Society or by its consultant on sheet music, Lester S. Levy, but the exhibit quickly grew as the Society borrowed outstanding materials from other institutions. This catalogue includes not only items that were on display but also those believed to be unusually important or interesting. This work contains a general background, details of the writing and printing of the poem, analysis of the text, examination of the musical vehicle for the poem, bibliographical descriptions of printed materials, and descriptions of sheet music, manuscripts, graphics, and miscellaneous exhibits. Hundreds of items are described in detail. Well-illustrated, with reproductions. Distributed for the Maryland Historical Society.