The Signers of the Declaration of Independence

by Robert G. Ferris, Richard E. Morris

The fifty-six brave men who signed the Declaration of Independence had nothing material to gain but everything to lose. They knew that if the British captured them, they would be tried for treason against the King of England and could be put to death. This book tells what happened to each of the Signers during and after the American Revolution--stories of hardship, sacrifice, and courage in the cause of freedom. An introduction summarizes the events that led the Founding Fathers to adopt one of the most inspiring and influential documents in the history of the world. Short biographies of each of the signers follow. An appendix reprints the complete text of the Declaration of Independence and summarizes the history of the document itself. The book measures 6 X 9 inches, has 180 pages and a laminated paper cover. Ninety-two black and white illustrations include portraits of each of the Signers and paintings and photographs of other aspects of this story.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

172 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1982

Reviews

[Thomas Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book I've read many times. A good reference to have on hand whenever the Fourth of July rolls around.

My copy was purchased many, many years ago (the 1980s) at the souvenir shop near the battle bridge in Concord, Massachusetts. It's been in my library ever since.

Short, sweet, and too the point. Like all good books of this kinds should be. A must-have for anyone interested in American history.

[Bat713 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource fo information on the American Revolution for Independence. It was written for the National Park Service. I picked up my copy at Monticello. It was a bit of an endeavor to read through but I now can connect several of the people portrayed in the musical 1776 which airs every Fourth of July. It has beautiful illustrations of historical documents also.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little dry, but definitely a good, short summary of the men who signed the Declaration of Independence - many of whom have been largely forgotten by history. I found the part about the history of the document itself following the signing particularly interesting.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief but fascinating look at each of the 56 signers. A good reminder of the sacrifices so many made for our nations independence with such hardships are such young ages.

[Matt Hoover · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fairly thin on content, overall.

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprised principally of brief biographical sketches of the Signers, this little book would be invaluable to anyone preparing for a game of Signers trivia.

[Vincent T. Ciaramella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say, I am a HUGE fan of these guys and the document. These little bite sized bios will introduce most Americans to very important people they have never heard of. We all know Jefferson, Franklin, Handcock, & Adams but what about Thomas Lynch Jr or Thomas Stone or the most famous autograph in America Button Gwinnett?

My wife and I are traveling all over the 13 colonies visiting the gravesites of these men. We started in 2010 and have completed Georgia-NY. All that we have left is New England. Why tell you this? Because this book goes with me each time.

This is my wh0-knows-how-many times I've read this but it never gets old. Check it out and learn about 56 brave men who signed a document that could have ended their lives if the pendulum swung the other way.

[James Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to read if you want to know a little about the men who signed one of the most important documents in the history of the free world, the unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America, better known as the Declaration of Independence. It contains a brief history of the time leading up to the Declaration, a biographical sketch on each of the signers, and a history of the Declaration itself.

I think it important for all citizens of this country to have a working knowledge of the foundation of this country. To include the history of the forming, the citizens involved, and the documents that formed our way of life.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first section of this book was a general history of the struggle for independence. This sets the scene for the declaration. Then there's a long section with a brief biography (and picture!) of every one of the signers. The book concludes with the text of the declaration and a history of the document itself.

I found it really interesting in parts, but the biographies just sort of blend into one long one. The last section, on the history of the actual physical document, was really the most interesting of it all.

[Sherrill Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

With a Forward by Nixon(!) Should be updated.

A history of the fights for independence among our allies, friends and detractors, the actual Declaration, (which was signed at different times by MANY men), and finally bios and photos (or sketches) of each man. Then there are photos or sketches of the homes that were significant in their lives, most of which are privately owned and occupied.

Interesting, but rather dry.

[Naomi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Believe it or not, this book really needs to be updated. A number of things have changed or been revealed since the writing of this book.

ETA: I was disappointed with this book. I thought the bios on the signers were cut short and there was a section on the houses that they lived in, which took up half the book. I expected more out of it

[Joe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two-page biographical sketches of each of the signers. Not a great read, but a good source for research or just learning a bit about how these men knew each other and where they came from.