American Heroes surveys more than 200 U.S. heroes from the American Revolution through today, in 39 areas of achievement, including Agriculture and Astronomy, Aviation and Space Exploration, Biology, Business, Civil Rights, Computer Science, Diplomacy, Education, Engineering, Environmentalism, Exploration, Government and Politics, Invention and Technology, Law and Jurisprudence, Literature, Mathematics, Medicine, the Military, Religion, Native American Affairs, Nursing, Philanthropy, Philosophy, Physics, Public Health, Religion and Theology, Social Reform, Sports, Theater and Entertainment, and Women's Rights. The over 200 people covered in set include 41 African Americans, 148 Euro-Americans, 6 Jewish Americans, 3 Latino Americans, 15 Native Americans, 2 Pacific Islander Americans and 63 women. All the essays in this set have been selected from the popular Salem titles, Great Lives from History: The 18th Century, Great Lives from History: The 19th Century, and the upcoming Great Lives from History: The 20th Century. Each essay has been fully revised and updated for this brand-new, three-volume set. Each comprehensive, in-depth essay is approximately 5 to 6 pages in length. Essays are arranged in a standard format which includes vital ready-reference data; identification (such as "Astronaut," "Baseball player," "Civil Rights activist," or "President of the United States"); a summary abstract of the person's key role and importance; dates and places of birth and (where applicable) death; a list of "also known as" names and nicknames; a list of areas of achievement; several paragraphs covering "Early Life," on upbringing and education; substantial text on "Life's Work," addressing career and achievements; and a "Significance" section that summarizes the individual's major contributions. Every essay ends with a "Further Reading" section that lists three to ten annotated books and other print sources for further study; these bibliographies are up to date through 2007. All essays are signed by academicians and other expert contributors. - Publisher.