Lossing's Pictorial Field Book of the War of 1812 - by Benson John Lossing (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Originally published in 1868, this history features in-depth research and interviews with veterans, illuminating the events of the war in greater detail than any previous work. It also brings to view soldiers whose deeds have been overlooked by history, but whose sacrifices will forever be remembered.

About the Author

Benson John Lossing, editor, illustrator, and historian, was born February 12, 1813, in Beekman, New York. Orphaned in 1824, Lossing moved to Poughkeepsie, New York, about two years later to work for Adam Henderson, a watchmaker and silversmith. In 1835, Lossing became part owner and editor of the Poughkeepsie Telegraph. Out of this publication grew the semimonthly literary paper called the Poughkeepsie Casket, which Lossing illustrated with wood engravings. Lossing moved to New York, New York, in 1838 to establish himself in the wood-engraving profession, yet he continued to supply the Telegraph with his engravings and designs. From 1839 to 1841, he launched his own literary career with the publication of Outline of the History of Fine Arts. Around 1848, Lossing conceived the idea of writing a narrative sketchbook on the American Revolution. The first installment was published in Harper's New Monthly Magazine in 1850, but three years passed before the completed Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution was published. This work entailed extensive research and 8,000 miles of travel throughout the United States. The book was critically acclaimed and won Lossing a wide reputation as an author. The London Art Journal featured a series of his articles describing the history and scenery of the Hudson Valley. In 1868, Lossing moved his home to Dover Plains, New York, where he had a fireproof library constructed to house a collection of more than five thousand books. Lossing was actively involved in several charitable, civic, literary, and historical clubs and societies in Dutchess County.