“Martin’s life-and-work portraits, with their subjects’ pluck and pioneering spirit, will surprise and, perhaps, inspire readers.”

–Booklist

“Self-sacrifice and determination abound in the tales…. Meticulously researched, Martin holds his subjects in deserved high-esteem.”

–Publishers Weekly

“Reverent character sketches of some unusually self-reliant Americans…. Inspirational yarns of exceptional folks who made a difference…surprisingly entertaining.”

–Kirkus Reviews

“Paul Martin creates a fascinating sub-text to American history: the literally un-sung hero who through imagination, daring, perseverance, and occasional great risk affects the shaping of democracy. 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

“Look who Paul Martin found hiding in the cracks and crevices of American history—a colorful cast of forgotten characters definitely worth getting to know!… From the grocery store to the battlefield, forgotten heroes who left an indelible mark on American history. An enjoyable and eye-opening read.”

–Rick Beyer, author of The Greatest Stories Never Told

“Endlessly entertaining…Martin introduces us to a colorful cast of saints, visionaries and occasional rogues, and he does so with style and zest. Heroes, yes, but secret no more, these are (extra)ordinary men and women well worth our attention, in a book that makes history joyous.”

–Thomas C. Foster, author of How to Read Literature Like a Professor