Biography Series
by E. Cecil (pseudonym for unknown author)

Published by Crosby, Nichols, Lee, and Company/ Crosby and Nichols

This two volume series was first published by Crosby, Nichols and Company in 1859 (Volume 1) and 1860 (Volume 2). This publisher named the series "Lives of the Generals of the Revolution".

Crosby, Nichols, Lee, and Company and Crosby and Nichols also published this set as the "Biography Series". P. O'Shea printed this series later.

Colored illustrations

The formats of the first editions are different.
Volume 1-George Washington
First edition title page date is 1859. The cover has an embossed picture of Washington and a young boy in gilt or plain. Spine has gilt book specific illustration and gilt lettering.
The early Crosby, Nichols and Co. have illustrations in color. The later publishers' illustrations are in black and white.

Volume 2-Lafayette
The first edition Lafayette title page date is 1860. The cover is blindstamped with an embossed decorative pattern. Spine has gilt book specific illustration and gilt lettering. 6.75" x 4.25".

Washington in 1859 and 1860 noted with and without cover gilt.

First edition Lafayette

George Washington Crosby, Nichols, Lee, and Co. (1860) and Crosby And Nichols (1862) editions

In 1864 the cover of the Washington and the Lafayette books are blindstamped with a floral embossed pattern.
The spine is the same as the earlier books.