Throughout history, natural disasters, wars, disease and political upheaval have yielded heroes - models that in one way or another we can emulate and whose example holds up for us the finest of human instincts.

The heroes profiled here have all left footprints on the sands of time. Some of them are household names and some are not. First, there are the Classical Heroes, for whom the term "hero" was originally invented. Next, there are Archetypal Heroes, who model heroism for us in all its different manifestations.

Faith Heroes is a third category. Throughout history Christian faith has been one of the most significant motivators of heroic life and action. Finally, there are the All-American Heroes. While their lives would be no less heroic lived elsewhere, these champions illustrate, illuminate, and define our own uniquely American society and its history.

In sum, these pages proffer an inspiring romp through the centuries, meeting great men and women of all walks of life who may still have something to teach us today about life and about what we want our tomorrow to be.