The Dangerous Book of Heroes

Published: 3 June 2009

From the same people that brought you The Dangerous Book for Boys, the latest work from the Iggulden brothers is a collection of stories of the heroes who inspire them (and this time it’s for girls too.)

They’ve narrowed down their list of heroes by avoiding monarchs, saints and scientists (who could easily fill a book alone). They’ve also ruled out career politicians, so we still get Churchill and Wellington; and they have chosen those who are ‘British and Empire and Commonwealth first and last’. The brothers admit that no collection of heroes is definitive but that their requirements were for ‘courage, determination and some dash’.

It’s safe to say that the characters they have shortlisted have all these requirements. Each chapter holds a story of a hero from across the centuries. From the epic journeys of the great navigator and explorer James Cook to the caring and self-sacrificing actions of Florence Nightingale, the variety of stories shows the different acts and lives of people who became heroes.

A hero does not have to be likeable, we are told, and some of the people mentioned in this book definitely were rude, selfish and frighteningly confident. This is certainly true in the case of Battle of Britain star Douglas Bader, who is described as ‘brash,’ and spent 51 years of his life determined to fight against the odds so he could fly with the RAF and help lead them to victory during WWII.

But as the book says: “They are heroes because they inspire the rest of us, even if it’s just for a moment.” Discover how – just minutes after a horrific attack by a knife-wielding maniac – 21-year-old nursery nurse Lisa Potts had the courage to return to the playground to save the children.

Legion readers will like the fact that the Gurkhas, Winston Churchill, The Unknown Warrior and even Bletchley Park all get their own chapter. For all those who feel like they want more from particular stories there are recommendations at the end of each chapter for further reading.

This is an inspirational read with real-life stories of accomplishment, courage and bravery. And as the authors note: “One of the reasons for writing this book is to breathe new life into the extraordinary stories of heroes and heroines who were once known to all. Time and changes in education have meant that sometimes stories are forgotten where they should be remembered.”

Review by Hollie Ewers