(CNN) -- For Paul Martin, fascinating history is a loud discovery in a quiet library. The stories sneak up on him while he's on other quests, such as the time Martin was trying to find the first American awarded a military medal and found Hercules Mulligan, a forgotten spy who saved George Washington's life twice. Martin has collected the stories of 30 Americans left out of the history textbooks in his new book, "Secret Heroes: Everyday Americans Who Shaped Our World." Some other characters Martin brings to life include Henry Beachell, whose invention of "miracle rice" fed and supported Asia, Cynthia Ann Parker's steadfast endurance of 24 years of Native American captivity and Jonathan Letterman, whose medical organization on the battlefield revolutionized the treatment of wounded soldiers and saved countless lives during the Civil War.
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Authors: Everyday Americans have influenced history as much as presidents, generals
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Reviving forgotten history allows people to connect with their pasts
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Author Kenneth C. Davis believes history must be constantly revised
Hercules Mulligan
"@placeholder saved the life of the father of our country.
Americans
Everyday Americans Who Shaped Our World
Americans
"Everyday @placeholder have had a huge impact on our history -- it isn't always presidents and generals who set the course for the country."
George Washington
Myths about @placeholder chopping down a cherry tree are taught in the place of truth, so history starts on a shaky foundation of fiction, Davis said.
Paul Martin
Martin
Martin
Martin
"There really are two large categories of heroes," @placeholder said of his book's title.