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The Great Book of American Heroes: 32 True Tales From American History That Made Them Legends
American history is full of many great men and women who changed the course of the United States and even the world. They are rightfully considered heroes by many Americans because of their contributions.
This book is unique because it focuses on the personal struggles and triumphs that made each individual a hero to millions of Americans.
In The Great Book of American Heroes , you’ll learn the answers to the following
And so much more! This book is filled with a plethora of facts about some of the most fascinating and impactful Americans through history. You won’t be able to stop reading! This book also looks at the very term “hero” in a unique way by including a fair share of rebels, bad boys, and anti-heroes, who were also considered heroes by many.
Whether you have a passing interest in American history, are distantly related to one of the heroes, or just want something fascinating to read, you can’t go wrong with The Great Book of American Heroes.
This book is unique because it focuses on the personal struggles and triumphs that made each individual a hero to millions of Americans.
In The Great Book of American Heroes , you’ll learn the answers to the following
And so much more! This book is filled with a plethora of facts about some of the most fascinating and impactful Americans through history. You won’t be able to stop reading! This book also looks at the very term “hero” in a unique way by including a fair share of rebels, bad boys, and anti-heroes, who were also considered heroes by many.
Whether you have a passing interest in American history, are distantly related to one of the heroes, or just want something fascinating to read, you can’t go wrong with The Great Book of American Heroes.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
299 pages, Paperback
Published July 28, 2020
182 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 30, 2020
The traits that make a Hero
Author Bill O’Neill has authored many books on Trivia and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, wars, rock music, simply random trivia facts and US States. Now with a nod to providing interesting reading material while passing the time at home, Bill offers a cascade of stories that provide not only a celebration of American Heroes, but also a sense of proportion to our life as materialized by these significant people.
Providing an overview of the topics of interest in this book, Bill outlines his content in the Introduction – ‘In this book, you’ll read about what made these exceptional people great and why they are considered heroes today, sometimes decades or even hundreds of years after they died. This book goes beyond the big events and brings you closer to the heroes themselves, revealing some little known facts about these important people. There are heroes and heroines form all walks of American life in this book: some who went form rags to riches and others who had plenty of privileges and opportunities and took full advantage to make themselves a success and leave their imprint on American history…The United States has always been know for being a country of individuals…’
Bill O’Neill outdoes himself in his reportage of the concept of heroism and the people who represent that ideal. Some of the heroes he covers include Thomas Edison, Booker T. Washington, Jesse James, Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, George Washington, Neil Armstrong, Susan B. Anthony, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Henry Ford, Sequoyah, 911 First Responders and more. Each individual is honored for the public reason for which they are designated as heroes, but Bill adds significant insights into each person’s special traits.
Not only is the book entertaining – it is also very instructive. For those familiar with Bill O’Neill’s talent for tickling the brain, this book is a must read – one of his best. For those who are simply looking for solid entertaining reading to while away the hours, welcome to the field expert! Highly recommended – especially during these times…
Author Bill O’Neill has authored many books on Trivia and stands as somewhat of an expert in this field! His topics include movies, football, baseball, wars, rock music, simply random trivia facts and US States. Now with a nod to providing interesting reading material while passing the time at home, Bill offers a cascade of stories that provide not only a celebration of American Heroes, but also a sense of proportion to our life as materialized by these significant people.
Providing an overview of the topics of interest in this book, Bill outlines his content in the Introduction – ‘In this book, you’ll read about what made these exceptional people great and why they are considered heroes today, sometimes decades or even hundreds of years after they died. This book goes beyond the big events and brings you closer to the heroes themselves, revealing some little known facts about these important people. There are heroes and heroines form all walks of American life in this book: some who went form rags to riches and others who had plenty of privileges and opportunities and took full advantage to make themselves a success and leave their imprint on American history…The United States has always been know for being a country of individuals…’
Bill O’Neill outdoes himself in his reportage of the concept of heroism and the people who represent that ideal. Some of the heroes he covers include Thomas Edison, Booker T. Washington, Jesse James, Martin Luther King Jr., Helen Keller, George Washington, Neil Armstrong, Susan B. Anthony, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, Henry Ford, Sequoyah, 911 First Responders and more. Each individual is honored for the public reason for which they are designated as heroes, but Bill adds significant insights into each person’s special traits.
Not only is the book entertaining – it is also very instructive. For those familiar with Bill O’Neill’s talent for tickling the brain, this book is a must read – one of his best. For those who are simply looking for solid entertaining reading to while away the hours, welcome to the field expert! Highly recommended – especially during these times…
August 2, 2020
Heroes aren’t made; they are individuals born to do great things, great things that got done through their trials and tribulations, and their accomplishments that wound up making them heroes to millions and millions of Americans.
While most individuals view individuals as being HEROes because of the HEROic deeds, heroes actually come in all shapes and sizes because of their contributions to a myriad of groups of individuals. These individuals, like the heroes they’re perceived to be, have made enormous contributions to the United States and its citizens, albeit their limitations had hampered them. For example, take Helen Keller, although blind and deaf, she amounted to do incredible things for individuals like her, beginning with learning how to speak and write.
• Muckraker author, Upton Sinclair, wrote stories which changed America’s views of how business got done in America. The stories he wrote brought about social change. The Jungle by Sinclair had been an expose of the large meatpacking industry in Chicago, showing Americans the severe maltreatment of its hapless workers.
• Lewis and Clark are considered to be America’s first explorers made numerous discoveries in their trek across the United States.
• Benjamin Franklin had been a true Renaissance Man, with all the things he accomplished during his life.
• Through her actions, Molly Pitcher became America’s first war heroine.
• Alexander Graham Bell’s invention changed forever how we communicated.
Despite Al Capone’s criminal history, he’s still considered to be a hero of America’s drinking class, how and why gets discussed in the pages of Mr. O’Neill’s book. Naturally, the book covers a few presidents. As readers peruse the 32 stories of individuals covered in the pages of the book, they’ll discover why Babe Ruth, John Wayne, Charles Lindbergh, and even Elvis Presley are considered to be American heroes. Many of the individuals the book covers had to overcome their struggles to achieve their greatness.
For enlightening his readers as to who/why the individuals mentioned in his book as considered to be heroes, I’ve given Mr. O’Neill, 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
While most individuals view individuals as being HEROes because of the HEROic deeds, heroes actually come in all shapes and sizes because of their contributions to a myriad of groups of individuals. These individuals, like the heroes they’re perceived to be, have made enormous contributions to the United States and its citizens, albeit their limitations had hampered them. For example, take Helen Keller, although blind and deaf, she amounted to do incredible things for individuals like her, beginning with learning how to speak and write.
• Muckraker author, Upton Sinclair, wrote stories which changed America’s views of how business got done in America. The stories he wrote brought about social change. The Jungle by Sinclair had been an expose of the large meatpacking industry in Chicago, showing Americans the severe maltreatment of its hapless workers.
• Lewis and Clark are considered to be America’s first explorers made numerous discoveries in their trek across the United States.
• Benjamin Franklin had been a true Renaissance Man, with all the things he accomplished during his life.
• Through her actions, Molly Pitcher became America’s first war heroine.
• Alexander Graham Bell’s invention changed forever how we communicated.
Despite Al Capone’s criminal history, he’s still considered to be a hero of America’s drinking class, how and why gets discussed in the pages of Mr. O’Neill’s book. Naturally, the book covers a few presidents. As readers peruse the 32 stories of individuals covered in the pages of the book, they’ll discover why Babe Ruth, John Wayne, Charles Lindbergh, and even Elvis Presley are considered to be American heroes. Many of the individuals the book covers had to overcome their struggles to achieve their greatness.
For enlightening his readers as to who/why the individuals mentioned in his book as considered to be heroes, I’ve given Mr. O’Neill, 5 STARS for his endeavor here.
December 26, 2023
Diverse selection of individuals.
This work was written at a 40,000- foot level, without relating facts important to understanding the characters. First example, the author said Sam Clemens was born in Florida and moved to Missouri. If fact, he tells us in his autobiography that he was born in the microscopic village of Florida, Missouri, "much to his surprise" and moved to Hannibal. Sam's writing never mentioned living in the state of Florida. This book states that Sam had a happy home life with four children. Partly true. They had a 25-room home in Hartford, Connecticut. His son Langdon died at the age of two. Suzy died at 24 of meningitis. Jean had seizures and drowned in a bathtub. Livy, Sam's wife was frail and in poor health for most of her life. They lived in several countries, seeking better living conditions for her. Daughter Clara was the only one that outlived Sam.
Another error is when the author tells us Abe Lincoln was well educated by tutors. In fact, Abe grew up on a small farm in Spencer county, Indiana. He had very little formal education (no tutors) in those 14 years. Abe's formal education (a week here, a month there) amounted to about one year. He borrowed books from neighbors and read by fire light from the fireplace. He hired out to other farmers to split rails for fences.
I agree with the author in much of his description of Amelia Earhart's career. However, her first crossing of the Atlantic was a publicity stunt. She rode across as baggage. The two male pilots refused to let her into the cockpit. She consulted with Purdue University on the women's curriculum. Purdue paid for the Electra aircraft she flew on her world trip attempt.
This book should be viewed as an appetizer. The meat and potatoes are left to the reader to dig up on their own.
This work was written at a 40,000- foot level, without relating facts important to understanding the characters. First example, the author said Sam Clemens was born in Florida and moved to Missouri. If fact, he tells us in his autobiography that he was born in the microscopic village of Florida, Missouri, "much to his surprise" and moved to Hannibal. Sam's writing never mentioned living in the state of Florida. This book states that Sam had a happy home life with four children. Partly true. They had a 25-room home in Hartford, Connecticut. His son Langdon died at the age of two. Suzy died at 24 of meningitis. Jean had seizures and drowned in a bathtub. Livy, Sam's wife was frail and in poor health for most of her life. They lived in several countries, seeking better living conditions for her. Daughter Clara was the only one that outlived Sam.
Another error is when the author tells us Abe Lincoln was well educated by tutors. In fact, Abe grew up on a small farm in Spencer county, Indiana. He had very little formal education (no tutors) in those 14 years. Abe's formal education (a week here, a month there) amounted to about one year. He borrowed books from neighbors and read by fire light from the fireplace. He hired out to other farmers to split rails for fences.
I agree with the author in much of his description of Amelia Earhart's career. However, her first crossing of the Atlantic was a publicity stunt. She rode across as baggage. The two male pilots refused to let her into the cockpit. She consulted with Purdue University on the women's curriculum. Purdue paid for the Electra aircraft she flew on her world trip attempt.
This book should be viewed as an appetizer. The meat and potatoes are left to the reader to dig up on their own.
August 13, 2020
Fascinating Read
I have enjoyed this author's books on trivia, so when I saw this new one at one of my favorite book review sites, I had to check it out. In it, the author shares the stories of 32 people whom he considers to be ones who have dramatically shaped American life and culture. Some of his choices could be considered controversial, like General Robert E. Lee and Al Capone. But the greats you would expect are here: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Martin Luther King, Jr., Amelia Earhart, George Washington, etc. One thing I noted right away is that there isn't much of a gender or racial/ethnic mix. Only four women are represented in the book and just five people of color. I think that's unfortunate. The stories the book did contain, though, were fascinating reads. I certainly learned more about the lives of all these people (as well as interesting factoids in the trivia section at the end of each story). Did you know that Wyatt Earp was a lawbreaker before he was a lawman and that he was never wounded in a gunfight? In every story, the author shared the person's childhood and/or background before they did their famous and infamous deeds. What I noticed is that most of those profiled came from a background that had adversity, whether in childhood or on their path to hero status. I find that a heartening idea and a fantastic takeaway from the book. No matter what has gone before in your life, the stories suggest, you can go on to do great things if that is your desire. All in all, I found these to be empowering and fascinating stories. I just wish that more of the heroes looked like me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I have enjoyed this author's books on trivia, so when I saw this new one at one of my favorite book review sites, I had to check it out. In it, the author shares the stories of 32 people whom he considers to be ones who have dramatically shaped American life and culture. Some of his choices could be considered controversial, like General Robert E. Lee and Al Capone. But the greats you would expect are here: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Edison, Martin Luther King, Jr., Amelia Earhart, George Washington, etc. One thing I noted right away is that there isn't much of a gender or racial/ethnic mix. Only four women are represented in the book and just five people of color. I think that's unfortunate. The stories the book did contain, though, were fascinating reads. I certainly learned more about the lives of all these people (as well as interesting factoids in the trivia section at the end of each story). Did you know that Wyatt Earp was a lawbreaker before he was a lawman and that he was never wounded in a gunfight? In every story, the author shared the person's childhood and/or background before they did their famous and infamous deeds. What I noticed is that most of those profiled came from a background that had adversity, whether in childhood or on their path to hero status. I find that a heartening idea and a fantastic takeaway from the book. No matter what has gone before in your life, the stories suggest, you can go on to do great things if that is your desire. All in all, I found these to be empowering and fascinating stories. I just wish that more of the heroes looked like me.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
August 18, 2020
There are a lot of interesting facts and tidbits about several famous American Heros. Great deal of history about some influential heroes in American History. There are facts and stories that describe how they became heroes. Good resource.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 6, 2021
Some of These Hero’s are Actually Vicious Criminals
By and large a very enjoyable book that told of the many heroic people in American History. I don’t believe that Jesse James should have been included because he was a war criminal in that he murdered non-combatants including women and children.
By and large a very enjoyable book that told of the many heroic people in American History. I don’t believe that Jesse James should have been included because he was a war criminal in that he murdered non-combatants including women and children.
December 7, 2020
Entertaining book.
I really enjoyed reading this book about American heroes. The author included a wide variety of people. Some on this list you may not agree with such as a gangster or an actor, but reasons are given as to why they are included.
I really enjoyed reading this book about American heroes. The author included a wide variety of people. Some on this list you may not agree with such as a gangster or an actor, but reasons are given as to why they are included.
August 1, 2020
Heros
I enjoy Bills trivia books so much!
I love the little details he brings out that others don't bother with.
I enjoy Bills trivia books so much!
I love the little details he brings out that others don't bother with.
March 31, 2021
A solid read
A good primer on some of the most iconic names in American history. Would be great for younger kids who aren't familiar with these names.
A good primer on some of the most iconic names in American history. Would be great for younger kids who aren't familiar with these names.
June 11, 2023
the expanse of characters tells the American story, and the author nails it-- we need heroes!
September 4, 2025
Read through page 119
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews