This edition comes at a time in history when the term hero<\\Q> is more subjective than ever. Not all heroes are the spotless paragons envisioned in fiction or in old history books. In today's world, the information age and dwindling privacy position many of our modern heroes against their very human flaws - perhaps making their accomplishments all the more remarkable. This title profiles individuals who place others above self and who invoke courage to take risks to better the world, from the American Revolution through today. Profiled individuals span 39 areas of achievement, including Aviation and Space Exploration, Engineering, Environmentalism, Government & Politics, Invention & Technology, Literature, Medicine, Public Health, Social Reform, Sports, and Women's Rights. Essay include ready-reference data, areas of achievement, photos, Early Life, Life's Work, Significance, and Further Reading. Back matter includes Category Index, Ethnicity Index, and Subject Index.<\\P>