Heroes of To-Day

In this lively portrait of early‑twentieth‑century America, a dozen remarkable individuals are presented as the “heroes of today,” each confronting the unseen battles of their age. From the wilderness of the West to the cramped tenements of New York, the book shows how courage now takes the form of science, exploration, social reform and engineering. The narratives are tied together by a clear, conversational voice that invites listeners to see modern deeds as the new kind of legend.

Among the stories, naturalist John Muir’s reverent wanderings through pristine forests reveal a deep, almost spiritual commitment to preserving the land. Dr. Wilfred Grenfell’s tireless care for remote Labrador communities, photographer Jacob Riis’s stark images exposing urban poverty, and Captain Robert Scott’s daring Antarctic expedition illustrate bravery on very different fronts. The collection also follows visionary figures such as inventor Samuel Langley, canal builder George Goethals, and humanitarian Herbert Hoover, whose organizational skill fed millions in need. Together, these sketches celebrate ordinary people doing extraordinary work, reminding us that heroism lives in the everyday pursuit of a better world.