This is a complete survey of more than 200 U.S. heroes - from the American Revolution through today.In the twenty-first century, an age of information and dwindling privacy, the term
hero
is more subjective than ever. Not all heroes are the spotless paragons envisioned in fiction or set forth in old history books. Today, many of our traditional heroes are silhouetted against their very human flaws - making their accomplishments all the more remarkable.All can agree, however, that a
hero
is a person who has placed others above self, who has invoked courage to undertake difficult and risky endeavors in order to better the world for others, who has breached the minimum of what is expected to reach for what can be. Such heroes come from all walks of life and can surprise not only others but also themselves in what they are able to accomplish, providing inspiration to others along the way.Scope and coverage -
American Heroes
surveys more than 200 U.S. heroes from the American Revolution through today, in 39 areas of achievement, including Agriculture and Astronomy, Aviation and Space Exploration, Business, Civil Rights, Education, Exploration, Government and Politics, the Military, Religion, Social Reform, Sports, Theater and Entertainment, and Women’s Rights. The over 200 people covered in set include 41 African Americans, 148 Euro-Americans, 6 Jewish Americans, 3 Latino Americans, 15 Native Americans, 2 Pacific Islander Americans and 63 women.Organization and format - Each comprehensive, in-depth essay is approximately 5 to 6 pages in length. Essays are arranged in a standard format which includes vital ready-reference data; identification (such as
Astronaut,

Baseball player,

Civil Rights activist,
or
President of the United States ); a summary abstract of the person’s key role and importance; dates and places of birth and (where applicable) death; a list of
also known as
names and nicknames; a list of areas of achievement; several paragraphs covering
Early Life,
on upbringing and education; substantial text on
Life’s Work,
addressing career and achievements; and a
Significance
section that summarizes the individual’s major contributions. Every essay ends with a
Further Reading
section that lists three to ten annotated books and other print sources for further study; these bibliographies are up to date through 2007. All essays are signed by academicians and other expert contributors.Special features - A comprehensive Subject Index is joined by a Category Index (arranging the heroes by area of achievement) and an Ethnicity Index (arranging them by ethnic group) to assist students and general readers in accessing the material for reports and areas of interest.