Heroes of Conscience: A Biographical Dictionary

by Kathlyn Gay, Martin K. Gay (Primary Contributor)

Any definition of a twentieth-century hero needs to encompass more than the heroic acts and godlike qualities recounted in myths and legends of old. But what is it in our modern world that drives some people to risk everything for a cause, another human being, or an ideal? What do these heroes of conscience have in common, and what, if anything, sets them apart from the average person? By compiling exceptional stories of moral heroism from a variety of sources, Heroes of Conscience explores these questions. In so doing, this important reference work also tells us something of ourselves as well as our contemporary values.
Some heroes act upon the world's stage, like Jimmy Carter, Lech Walesa, Corazon Aquino, and Nelson Mandela. Others, such as Rosa Parks, act upon the strength of personal convictions. Within the biographical sketches that comprise this work, readers will encounter both familiar and unfamiliar individuals. Some heroes strive for religious freedom while others, such as Peace Pilgrim, dedicate themselves to world peace. Wars, too, create heroes from both soldiers and civilians, as the stories of Oskar Schindler, Elie Wiesel, and Ron Kovic illustrate.

496 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1996

About the author

KATHLYN GAY is the author of more than 100 books, including young adult books, encyclopedias, teacher manuals, and portions of textbooks. Most of her work focuses on social and environmental issues, culture, history, and communication. In 1983, her book Acid Rain was selected as an "Outstanding Book" by the National Council for Social Studies and National Science Teachers' Association. Silent Killers received the same award in 1988. Global Garbage: International Trade in Toxic Waste was chosen as a Notable Book for Young People in 1993. In recent years, Kathlyn Gay has collaborated with family members, sons Martin and Douglas Gay and daughter Karen Hamilton, on various books.