John Warner Barber is equally well known for his historical writings and for their accompanying illustrations. A prolific writer and illustrator, he had a principal role as writer or as compiler and illustrator of thirty-four books. He assisted in the preparation of another eighty-four reprints and new editions. Barber made major contributions to nine books without his name appearing in the works. He also produced countless illustrations for almanacs, encyclopedias, technical works, and many other publications. Some of his books were religious and allegorical in nature. Barber did not always make his own engravings because the volume of work was too great.

John Warner Barber was born in Windsor, Connecticut, on 2 February 1798. He died in New Haven on 22 June 1885. Barber was the second of six children of Elijah and Mary Barber. His father was a relatively poor farmer. It is not known if Barber attended school. During the...