Lives of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence – B.J. Lossing – 1859 | Illustrated Biographies

The 1859 publication of Lives of Declaration Signers by B.J. Lossing, issued by Derby & Jackson, appeared during a period of renewed American interest in Revolutionary history. The volume contains concise biographies of each of the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence, supplemented by 50 engraved portraits placed opposite corresponding biographical sketches. Many portraits feature printed facsimiles of the signers’ signatures, set within decorative frames. Typography includes large mid-century serif fonts, generous spacing between lines, and ample margins characteristic of American printing standards of the era. The illustrations are unsigned wood engravings following prevailing conventions. Additional sections address the Articles of Confederation and the United States Constitution. The Derby & Jackson edition, distinctly identified by its unique imprint and binding, became notably prevalent in educational settings, libraries, and civic institutions in the decades preceding the Civil War.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Biographical Sketches of the Signers of the Declaration of American Independence: The Declaration Historically Considered; and a Sketch of the Leading Events Connected with the Adoption of the Articles of Confederation and of the Federal Constitution
• Author(s): Benson John Lossing
• Illustrator(s): Uncredited
• Publisher: New York, Derby & Jackson
• Edition: 1859
• Format: 12mo, single volume
• Binding: Original publisher’s green cloth
• Size:  7.75 in x 5.25 in (19.5 cm x 13 cm)
• Collation: iv, [2], 7-384 pp
• Illustrations: 50 engraved portraits
• Contents Include:
  • Historical Overview of the Declaration of Independence
  • Biographical Entries on the 56 Signers
  • Summary of the Articles of Confederation
  • Remarks on the U.S. Constitution
• Reference(s): Sabin 42114

Condition:

Bound in original textured green cloth with gilt-stamped spine featuring an eagle, seated allegorical figure, and flags. The binding remains firm with light rubbing along joints and moderate wear to the spine ends. Gilt impressions remain clear. All edges are untrimmed. The text block is complete. Internally, the paper shows toning and scattered foxing, especially along margins. The engraved portraits retain good impression strength. No leaves are missing.

Why Collect This?

• Biographical focus on the signers of the Declaration of Independence
• First Derby & Jackson printing with engraved portraits
• Publisher’s original cloth binding with gilt patriotic motifs
• Includes three foundational government documents in context
• Sought after by collectors of Revolutionary Americana, 19th-century illustrated U.S. histories, and B.J. Lossing’s historical output]