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Paul Johnson challenges historical and contemporary assumptions regarding those hailed heroes in his scholarly work entitled "Heroes." Heroes is the third in a series that commenced with the book Intellectuals. Next Johnson published Creators and presently Heroes.

Paul Johnson is a renowned British historian who writes on a vast array of subjects and historical periods with full eloquence of style. In Heroes, he examines the lives of many people from both genders and from a variety of cultures and walks of life.

His book commences with exploration of Biblical Heroes such as Samson, and King David. He writes of the royals, namely Henry V and Elizabeth I. He also writes of the great conquerors Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar. Moreover he writes of the great American heroes such as George Washington, Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee.

Despite covering those most see as heroes he also covers writers such as Emily Dickenson or playwrights and actresses such as Mae West and Marilyn Monroe, thus challenging the idea that only those who accomplish great victory in battle or rise to lead a nation can be honored as heroes and heroines.

Most interesting was where he delved into the life of Lady Pamela Berry, a hostess. The author personally knew this woman and spoke highly of her hosting abilities. She was esteemed due to her ability to bring together the writers, artisans, musicians, poets, philosophers, and political officials and spark conversation between them which aided the flow of their creativity. Such a person would seldom be given such heroine allocates as Johnson bestows upon her; however, he aptly presents the case of her due honor.

Intriguingly, many of the persons featured by Johnson in this book were not the ones most would consider should they comprise a list of heroes and heroines. However, he stretches the mind and heart to consider more than the traditionally honored in his compendium of heroes. Moreover, he illustrates that not all who are historically honored have the character which does justice to such an honor. He concludes to challenge people to reconsider their assumptions to decrease and increase where appropriate those considered heroic.

Johnson writes this book not only from knowledge gained by research, but also from personal experience with some of the people he features. Many he has known personally, whereas others he has met, or attended their speeches. Johnson's inclusion of personal anecdotal stories enhances the content of the book.

Heroes is a good read for the academic scholar. It is very weighty and laborious at times while simultaneously eloquent and bold in its prose. Intellectuals and Creators may surpass it in interesting content, but it still holds its own and provides ample fodder for the mind.

Learn more about this author, Karla Perry.
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