A compendium illuminating the lives of thirty forgotten heroes, unknown champions, explorers, inventors, and innovators who shaped American history. “Martin's life-and-work portraits, with their subjects’ pluck and pioneering spirit, will surprise and, perhaps, inspire readers.” —Booklist Not all American heroes appear in the standard history texts. Their achievements aren’t celebrated like the monumental exploits of presidents, generals, and founding fathers. But for as long as this great nation has existed, ordinary citizens have done extraordinary things. In Secret Heroes, author Paul Martin spotlights thirty overlooked Americans, all of whom had an impact on their world and ours, including: · Hercules Mulligan, the New York tailor and spy who saved George Washington’s life . . .twice! · Jimmie Angel, the gold-seeking bush pilot who, in 1933, discovered the world's highest waterfall in Venezuela · Carl Akeley, a pioneering taxidermist who killed a leopard with his bare hands and inspired Africa's first national park · Eliza Scidmore, who convinced the government to plant cherry trees in Washington, D.C. . . .after twenty-four years of lobbying! “Endlessly entertaining… . . . A book that makes history joyous.” —Thomas C. Foster, author of How to Read Literature Like a Professor “This enthralling, episodic ramble's perfect for anyone interested in how America managed to get from there to here.” —James Conaway, author of Napa: The Story of an American Eden “A colorful cast of forgotten characters definitely worth getting to know! . . . An enjoyable and eye-opening read.” —Rick Beyer, author of The Greatest Stories Never Told