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Star-Spangled Crown

Original price $17.95 - Original price $17.95
Original price $17.95
$17.95
$17.95 - $17.95
Current price $17.95
Publisher: Tumblar House
Publication Date:
Format: Paperback
Pages: 228
Availability: In Stock
Estimated Delivery: 5–10 business days (U.S.)
Shipping: Calculated at checkout

For 240 years, most Americans have identified our country with its government as the embodiment of “Freedom” and the nation itself. Take away the Constitution, Congress, and presidential elections, and not only liberty but the United States themselves would vanish.

Or would they? We have a government that imposes social change from above at breakneck speed, while each presidential election seems to offer even more pathetic choices than the one before. Many are scratching their heads and wondering – not just “where are we going?” but “how did we get here?” Is our governmental system itself – the leading symbol of the American way of life – heading for a meltdown? And if it is, what – if anything – shall be left of our country?

Star-Spangled Crown is a book that comes to us from over a century in the future. That feared meltdown has already occurred – but these United States survived the loss of the presidency. Erected on the ruins of our current regime, a Monarchy has emerged; contrary to all of our 21st century notions, it is a thoroughly American institution. How it functions – as and where all governments, including our present one must function – is the subject of the book.

Star-Spangled Crown is not a call for radical change. It is an invitation for serious thought about the realities of civil life that we as a people have spent more than two centuries ignoring or avoiding at our ultimate peril. What values shall our society express? Who makes those decisions? By what right do they do so? What is America really – or, as our 22nd century author might say, what are the United States? Star-Spangled Crown offers one set of answers from a possible future – but above all, it calls on you to ask the questions in the present.

Read the First Chapter Now

Extended Bibliography

 

Charles A. Coulombe:

Charles A. Coulombe is one of North America’s most respected and sought-after commentators on culture, religion, history, and politics. A specialist in the history and government of the Catholic Church, Coulombe’s influence and expertise extend far beyond matters religious. He has written on topics ranging from the history of rum to haunted houses to a history of the United States.

Mr. Coulombe is a social and political commentator of note. In 2005 he provided narration and commentary for ABC News during the funeral of Pope John Paul II and the subsequent election and installation of Pope Benedict XVI. A former journalist, Mr. Coulombe served as a film reviewer and Contributing Editor of the National Catholic Register, during which time he received the Christian Law Institute's Christ King Journalism Award. Coulombe's work has appeared in over than 20 journals, including regular columns in Fidelity (Australia), PRAG (London), Monarchy Canada, and Creole Magazine (Louisiana). He has also been a frequent contributor to such publications as Success, Catholic Twin Circle, Gnosis, FATE, and the New Oxford Review.

As an informed and passionate speaker on a wide variety of religious, social, political, historical, and literary topics, Mr. Coulombe has appeared on lecture circuits throughout the North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. In 1992 he lectured at Oxford University and the following year embarked on a lecture tour of Ireland and Great Britain, returning to Oxford and Cambridge in 1995. Coulombe has also delivered lectures at the University of Southern California on the history of Rock & Roll and at Cleveland's John Carroll University on the history of medieval monarchy. In February 2011, he was invited to take part in a debate on the abolition of the monarchy before the prestigious Oxford Union.
  • 5 stars: 39 (93%)
  • 4 stars: 3 (7%)
  • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
  • 1 star: 0 (0%)
M
Michael Brian
Inspiring

I have followed Mr. Coulombe on and off since I was 16. Now, I am 20 and finally got around to reading his "manifesto". It was a great read. I look forward to reading more from Mr. Coulombe. Next up is his biography on Blessed Karl of Austria!

J
Joshua Vaillancourt
This was a fun book to read.

I found myself finishing the book to quickly and wishing there was more! As I read the book I could almost hear Mr. Coulombe making extra comments about the books events. I think I've been watching Off the Menu too much lately (ooh, was that a plug?). Overall, I loved the book and I think everyone should read it.

J
Jeffrey Worth
Can't wait for the movie!

The one thing I can say is I wish the book had been longer. I almost read it from cover to cover the first night I received it. It would make a great movie and I hope one day that Mr.Coulomb will one day have the opportunity to write the screenplay.

J
Joe Barber
Intriguing Book

A very intriguing and thought-provoking book. As an American Protestant, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring this topic in such a unique way, one which I found myself agreeing with in many respects.

T
Tyler Michaeli
Star-Spangled Crown

Excellant. I great enjoyed Charles' book; it was extremely thought provoking, and all around enjoyable.

A
Arthur Livingston
An Invigorating Walk

The joys and solaces of the republic have been hammered into our heads since before we can remember, at least into those of us with deep roots in this country; and yet the even deeper models offered us when our brains developed a bit were monarchical, beginning with Shakespeare, but hardly stopping there. Mr. Coloumbe has provided us an outline of how a monarchical vision could play out in the United States without being incongruous.

L
L Kurtzke
Such a relief to read something Fun

Not yet finished with Star-Spangled Crown, yet I have to thank you for a such an enjoyable read. I cant't wait until the evening comes so I can enjoy myself, then I go to sleep dreaming of the USA becoming a Monarchy under a King that understands the Catholic principle of Monarch. Living only a bike ride away from our Nations Capitol, the battle would be at my front door, but so worth the cost. Thank you Mr. Coulombe for a peaceful nights rest. Additionally Tumblar House are so kind, who is the dear soul that placed the post note in the book that said God bless you with my name, your a saint!

K
Karl Anderson
Excellent Fast Read -Prayerfully the Future

Charles Coulombe is a captivating writer, that keeps his audience engaged. I actually felt like the book read too fast, and I wanted more. His knowledge of history, and how it rhymes with the future, provides a very real scenario for how the country will inevitably collapse. The intriguing part of the story is how someday it will be rebuilt, which I believe will be at least partially prophetic (which part who knows). In the wake of collapse, societies always revert to their culture and tradition to provide security and social cohesion. I pray that the future unfolds itself as Coulombe laid out, for everyone’s sake!

M
Mary Ann Bernard
Fascinating

I have always been attracted to “what if?” stories. The Star Spangled Crown was one I couldn’t put down. I’m convinced that we have passed our apex as a nation. Charles Coulombe offers us a peek at how things might play out a century from now. It is apparent that he gave consideration to the interaction of the many aspects of society which his chapters capture. His prose is conversational. I felt like I got to know him through his fictitious descendant’s voice. Is it a blueprint for monarchy? No. Is it a little PollyAnna-ish? Maybe. But in a fun way that leaves the reader with much to consider about democracy and monarchy.

A
Anita Moore
Not True, But Should Be

Would that a Catholic King would take over this country! It would be nice for this country to be under a man who fears eternal damnation for misruling. I like Charles’ ideas of how a Catholic King would operate in America. I’m all for it.

Z
Zach
A Thought-Provoking Book

It doesn’t seem like America would ever get a monarchy and perhaps we don’t deserve one. But Charles A. Coulombe goes through each of the aspects of government and gives them a monarchical twist. Read this book as if it were less of a prognostic, and more of a thought-provoking “what if” scenario.

S
Sydney Walker
Star Spangled Masterpiece

The truth is that this fictional world is one that may be better than our own.

W
Will Hays
Thought provoking and entertaining

The fictional future that Mr. Coulombe uses as the medium for examining monarchy effectively increases intrigue for the monarchicaly-curious and softens the bigotry of those indoctrinated to see the end of monarchy as a step in human progress/evolution. I even found myself desiring a novel about the events of the “instauration.”

B
Brian Hare
Wow what an amazing book!!

What a great story, makes the Battle of Los Angeles look boring and bleak in comparison! Must read! Don't pass up, while supplies last! Sorry, no CODs.

M
Michael Yoder
Tonic for our days...

Quoting from a seminarian friend who wrote: "...hope in this world of chaos, insanity and panic." Well, Mr. Coulombe's Star Spangled Crown brings hope in this world of chaos, insanity and panic. It is a hope for the future, hope that someday sanity will return in the form of a Catholic king and a strong Holy Church. No, don't expect a road map to achieve that for that is not possible at this time. There are many trials ahead for America, but if we do our part, that part being prayer, penance and fidelity to God and His holy Church, the roadmap will be provided. Thank you, Mr. Coulombe, for providing a spark of hope.

J
John Corkum
Wonderful

Another great book by Mr. Coulombe! I really enjoyed his take on what America as a monarchy might look like.

M
Michael D'Andrea
Fun

This was my first Charles Coulombe book and it was just fun to read.

B
Brandin Stoy
A good primer for monarchy

While the premise of the book is a fictional future monarchy in the United States of America, each chapter explains the ways that monarchies have functioned in the past, and so gives a general overview of the traditions of monarchy. Whether or not you accept the premise of an American monarchy, this book still works as a premier on monarchy, and shows that monarchy is a real system of government, and not simply about men and women wearing funny hats and doing as they please, contrary to what one "learns" in most American schools. Further, the framing narrative of the book keeps the read engaging, and makes it a joy to read.

D
David Malanoski
Star-Spangled Crown

A Catholic Monarchy in the United States , Now that is a piece of fiction. Still an awesome read and a good source on how Monarchies work, especially when they put God First.

A
Aaron Russell
An inspiring and eloquent love letter to what could be...

A beautiful and thoroughly researched take on how a modern Monarchy in America might manifest. More reference than narrative but still inspiring. It helps that I can hear Charles' voice in my head as I read. I hope a follow-up is done. I'd have loved more story elements to see how this Monarch would navigate the modern landscape.

My only critique is the amount of grammar errors. I can only assume the editor made a visit to the 13th floor mid-project.

A
Adrian Garcia
Charles Coulombe's answer to Edward Bellamy

The year was 1888 and Edward Bellamy published an utopian novel by the name of "Looking Backward: 2000-1887." in it, the main character, Julian West, falls into a Rip-Van-Winkle-like slumber and awakens in the year 2000 in a socialist utopia where he is given a tour of the society and its institutions by Doctor Leete. The modern reader is amazed to find that many of its predictions came to fruition. In its day, the novel caused quite a stir and inspired over 162 "Bellamy clubs" throughout the country, all dedicated to bringing about the book's vision to reality.

Fast forward to 2016 and Charles Coulombe publishes "Star-Spangled Crown." In it, our dear author also falls asleep but his spirit is kept alive by his great-nephew, Charles Coulombe III, who several decades into the future gives us a tour of the country's monarchical institutions, which arose out of the ruins of the old Republic. Just as in "Looking Backward," Charles explains the history of the country's institutions, and the history which caused the demise of the Republic.

With saddening prescience, Charles' predictions of the fall of the Republic seem to be developing before our very eyes. If it is to fall, it is my hope that this book can be used as an inspiration to rebuild a "more perfect union" from the ruins of the old, just as in the past "Looking Backward" inspired many to work for the vision of the world it presented.

C
Connor McHugh
The Crown of America

With the collapsing of the American Republic, it sometimes seems that Charles has seen the future in this book. It is an elegant look at what a monarchy might look like in America and has been very influential in my own writing.

B
Brian Brecheisen
A fun idea

Charles is a prophet.

D
Diego Aguilar
Reminiscent of my Youth

In my youth, I used to own a large(ish) collection of books that ranged from history to fantasy to mystery. I had a lot that I'd spent my time reading and imagining. As time went on, my tastes were refined and ultimately disappeared. I'd read very adult books during my late teens and it wasn't until I picked up Star-Spangled Crown that my youthful joys came rushing back. I read it in a few days and certainly with other books I've purchased ( to get over $25 free shipping, void where prohibited, no CODs, limited time offer, while supplies last, callers standing buy) well worth my money and will buy more soon.
In terms of the book, it really made me imagine the different scenarios that the author put forth and let my imagination run free. I was pretty invested, to say the least. Although, I will note that a few of the themes/motif/references/connections to society were lost on me, but that is probably due to me being younger. And while this isn't a handbook or manual to what an American monarchy would be, with a little bit of imagination and a lot of faith in our Blessed Lord, one can have a lot of fun with Star-Spangled Crown. 9/10 would recommend
P.S. The little notes that are written and delivered too make my day and it is honestly the first time anyone has said God Bless You to me; so thank you Tumblar House and God Bless You!

A
Alison Worcester
4 Starred Crown

I’m about a third of the way through the book and starting to really settle into it. As a typical American, it’s tough to even imagine a monarchy here as I was taught in school that we are much better off without them. It’s become fun, however, to go along with Mr Coulombe’s imagination and knowledge to try on the possibility; especially now the world has ground almost to a halt with the pandemic who knows what our country will need to recover. I’d love to live in a Catholic Christendom so who knows! If you’re needing a lift and a well-researched fantasy right now, this is a good one.

C
Colin Singleton
Good blend of history and speculative fiction

This is a great little read! The only thing I wanted more of was some of the personal history of the Royal Family, and some more character emotional development. I understand the book is less a work of literature and more a treatise, but I think readers who are exploring monarchy want not only to fall in love with the system, but the monarchs themselves.

I look forward to any new endeavors!

T
Tom O'Mara
A fun read, yet one that gets you thinking

Star Spangled Crown is one of those books where you read one chapter at a time, put it down for a bit, and turn over the content you just consumed in your mind. Although it is a work of fiction that certainly has an entertainment aspect to it, it is an excellent "primer" book to read or give to a friend who is interested in the intricacies of a monarchical government. Charles knocks this one out of the park.