This book is about flags. True, flags are just an excuse to immerse yourself in the most interesting stories from all over the world.

Most flags are rather simple designs. But if you know why a country chose a particular flag design, chances are you have a basic understanding of that country's history, geography, and culture.

For example, the star on the flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo reminds us of what Arthur Conan Doyle called the greatest crime against humanity. The eagle on the flag of Mexico is about how the Aztecs sacrificed the daughter of the leader of a neighboring tribe to the gods. The stars on the flag of Tuvalu indicate an amazing incident in the name of the country.