Hungarian-American Heroes Book Update

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Painstaking research over a decade through newspapers in the United States and Hungary, university archives and files of the OSS, FBI and Hungarian Secret Police have filled in the pieces of a puzzle about Sander’s grandfather and his remarkable friends.

Hungarian-American Heroes by Sander Feinberg

The Story of Hungarian-American Heroes

I have been working on this project for over a decade. In my memory it began when I was only ten years old. My grandparents handed me a book to learn Hungarian. They said if I learned enough they would take me to Hungary! You might imagine I did not go that year. However, on my quest I have been to Hungary three times since 2007, discovering a wonderful family of cousins and a wealth of history.

My research has included dozens of books, hundreds of articles and wading through 1,000’s of pages from the National Archives including OSS files from WW2 and FBI files from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Be sure to read the feedback below from readers of the initial chapters. As of January 2026, Chapters 1 to 29 are complete. There are over 900 photos to bring alive the story!

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Preview Readers’ Feedback

Chapter Comments

“The Origins chapter is a delight to read. The pictures and illustrations from magazines, in particular, are a wonderful addition and help set the context for the book. Presenting everything in chronological order–roughly speaking–is also an excellent approach and helps put the reader in the shoes of your ancestors.”
“Your theatre chapter is phenomenal.”
[On the chapter on Dracula] “What a great chapter!! The photos and theater signs are terrific. Your research is so complete, enjoyed all of it and learned so much.”
[On Hugo Gellert’s contributions] “Wisely, I think, you have let the work speak through itself with samples. It’s a lovely chapter.”
[On Louis Weinstock’s career] “No one but you could do it, and you have done a magnificent job.”
Bela Lugosi, Kalman Marki and the Hungarian Theatre
- “Very strong messages, historically relevant, theatre as an extension of the power of moving creativity, the human resource as a universal deeply felt educational experience! This work is fascinating, more than just history it is compiled of, the newspaper clippings, photographs and stories bring it to a colorful life. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to view this chapter.”
- “Very well written, detailed and crafted. I can see your hard work and passion on each page. Sander, thanks for sharing, can’t wait for the rest.”

Early Comments

“Fascinating and incredibly well written and researched.”
“This is such an important, informative book Sander!“
“Your research diligence is a big bravo.”
“This is so fascinating! Love It.”
“It’s like candy, I couldn’t stop reading.”
‘First of all your book is a gift to Eastern European/American history!! My deepest admiration to you on this long, arduous journey! [Your] visits to foreign places, people and your research and making connections leaves me in awe!’

On Research

“In truth, in my academic career I have known many incredìble researchers: people who were both meticulous and persistent in their pursuit of both factual and informative detail and you and your research rank in the top three. For anyone reading this, get this book. I’ve been privileged to read drafts of some of these chapters and they are entertaining, informative, and meticulously written.”

~Jim Moody, Ph.D.

On the Introduction to the Book

“This is a wonderful introduction—it grabs one’s attention right away. Most intros to personal stories that include ancestry, etal are either too ‘dry’ in substance or overly ’emotive.’You strike a clear balance between how their history is YOUR history as well.”

“This book needs to be released as soon as possible. Many pople wil be drawn to a personal journey in the wider context of history.”

“These stories definitely could be a documentary!”