The Man Without a Country

By Edward Everett Hale

Book Overview

"The Man Without a Country" is a powerful and enduring masterpiece of American fiction that explores the profound themes of patriotism, identity, and the consequences of one's actions. Written by Edward Everett Hale during the American Civil War, this poignant novella tells the tragic story of Philip Nolan, a young army officer who, in a moment of reckless passion during his trial for treason, declares that he never wishes to hear the name of the United States again.

Sentenced to live out the remainder of his days aboard naval vessels, Nolan is strictly forbidden from ever receiving news of his homeland or even hearing its name mentioned. As decades pass, his initial bitterness transforms into a heartbreaking longing for the country he abandoned. Through the eyes of an anonymous narrator, readers witness Nolan's evolution from a defiant rebel to a man consumed by the realization of what he has lost. "The Man Without a Country" serves as a stirring allegory about the vital importance of national belonging and remains a cornerstone of American literary heritage, challenging readers to reflect on the true meaning of loyalty and the heavy burden of exile.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025415663
• ISBN13: 9781025415666
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 134 Pages
• Weight: 0.44 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.3" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The Story of Learning to Appreciate Being an American

I originally read this book in eighth grade, and recently had the desire to reread the book. The book was just as I remembered it. However, with a greater understanding of the world, I have learned to appreciate this classic even more. While an American may not agree with that the United States does, a perfect country or government has yet to be created. Philip Nolan made a statement in which he disowned his country in his younger days. It was a statement that he would quitely regret for the rest of his life. Even in exile, Nolan reflects loyalty to his country in his behavior. On his death bed, Nolan only wants to learn of what has happened to the country since he was exiled. He was able to die a happy man knowing how the country he loved had prospered. The story is intended to made readers appreciate their country. Sometimes it may be difficult to agree with the government. In the end, one realizes that they love their country like a parent or their own child. Nolan had to learn this lesson the hard way.

Traitor or Patriot?

"The Man Without a Country," written by Edward Everett Hale in 1863, tells the story of Philip Nolan, a young lieutenant in the United States Navy, who, at his court martial for treason, damned the United States and cavalierly wished that he might never hear her name again. Nolan's sentence was to have his wish fulfilled. For fifty-five years he was kept at sea, being repeatedly transferred from ships that approached land to those that were headed out to sea. Although Nolan was not treated like a prisoner, a unique protocol was developed that kept him from hearing or seeing any news from home.Because of obscure references (especially early in the story) and some archaic wording, reading the story aloud is recommended. This provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that much can be gleaned from a story even when references are not completely understood. Pausing periodically to summarize the main points can help to keep students involved until you get to Hale's anecdotes that will truly captivate them.In addition to delineating the consequences of an impetuous act, "The Man Without a Country" provides a thought-provoking portrait of a patriot. In essays or debates students might consider Was Nolan's sentence fair? Should he have been pardoned?

Heartwarming & Heartbreaking!

I can't believe the reader from Allentown didn't care for this book. I first read this story in high school and remember how choked up I got over Phillip's absolute and total love for a country he hasn't been able to see or hear about for over half his life due to his impassioned, yet stupid youthful declaration that he "never wanted to hear his country's name again!".I hope other would-be readers listen to the other reviews and try this book. You WILL NOT be disappointed. You will be fighting back tears by the end of this story. As I said, I read this book while in my teens and still enjoy re-reading it. You will cherish what you have after you finish.

Dear old Nolan!

Philip Nolan, a man who is sentenced to remain at sea for his entirelife, with the punishment to never hear nor see of the United States again. Hale captures patriotism and heroic efforts in one man as Nolan bravely tries to hide the fact he still loves his country, but shall never see it again. It makes you proud to be an American and live under the glory that our forefathers fought for. So many times have I read this story, and each time I can barely get past parts that bring a tear to my eye. Ultimately a great and powerful book for any reader who enjoys a story of love, agony, and pride.

A multi-level classic: Unlooked for consequences of anger

When Philip Nolan spewed out the words, "Damn the United States! May I never hear her name again!", the (c 1812) tribunal decided that that indeed would be his punishment for his involvement with Aaron Burr: Never to see or hear of his birth land again. The poignancy of this consequence through his long years of exile/imprisonment on U.S. ships crescendoes to the denoument, when the evidence of Nolan's encounter with what he had lost is described. Beautifully written. No flag-waving overt patriotism here. Subtle. Inferential. Puts one in touch with what we take so much for granted in the U.S. of A.!