A richly woven biography of the beloved patriot Betsy Ross, her fabled creation of "the first flag," and an enthralling portrait of everyday life in Revolutionary War-era Philadelphia.

Six hundred miles nearer the sun. -- The light within -- A nursery to the lord -- Pins and needles -- Crafting comfort -- The furnace of affliction. -- Combustible matters -- Domestic rebellions -- Union and disunion -- Mr. and Mrs. Ross -- Meditations in trouble -- True colors. -- Crafting colors -- Signals of independence -- The mariner's bride -- The occupied city -- Privateer to prisoner -- Peace and prosperity. -- Third time's a charm -- Lord and empire -- Brotherly love -- Fever -- The federal edifice -- Endings and beginnings. -- War, redux -- A port in the storm.