About Signing Their Lives Away
In 1776, fifty-six men risked their lives and livelihoods to defy King George III and signed the most important document in the history of the United States. Yet how many of these men do we actually remember? Sure, everyone knows John Hancock, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin, but who were the other 53 signers?
Signing Their Lives Away is a new book that tells the story of the eclectic group of statesmen, soldiers, and scoundrels who signed this historic document—and the strange fates that awaited them. Some rose to the highest levels of United States government, but a surprising number would spend time in debtors’ prison. Signer George Wythe was murdered by his nephew. Button Gwinnett was killed in a duel. Thomas Lynch, Jr. was lost at sea. And of course, Samuel Adams achieved fame as a patriot-brewer.
Featuring a reversible dust jacket depicting a facsimile of the Declaration, Signing Their Lives Away provides an entertaining and enlightening narrative for history buffs of all ages.
About the Book
About the Authors
Denise Kiernan and Joseph D’Agnese are journalists, authors and producers. They have written books for both adults and children, and have been published in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Village Voice, Wired, Discover and other national publications. Kiernan is the former head writer for "Who Wants to be a Millionaire," and has produced for ESPN, MSNBC and others. D’Agnese’s work has twice been included in the anthology “Best American Science Writing.” Both are winners of Educational Press Association awards for their children’s writing. They live in North Carolina.
The Authors
Denise Kiernan
Joseph D’Agnese
