From the New York Times bestselling author of Band of Brothers and D-Day, the definitive book on Lewis and Clark’s exploration of the Louisiana Purchase, the most momentous expedition in American history and one of the great adventure stories of all time. In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson selected his personal secretary, Captain Meriwether Lewis, to lead a voyage up the Missouri River to the … voyage up the Missouri River to the Rockies, over the mountains, down the Columbia River to the Pacific Ocean, and back. Lewis and his partner, Captain William Clark, made the first map of the trans-Mississippi West, provided invaluable scientific data on the flora and fauna of the Louisiana Purchase territory, and established the American claim to Oregon, Washington, and Idaho.
Ambrose has pieced together previously unknown information about weather, terrain, and medical knowledge at the time to provide a vivid backdrop for the expedition. Lewis is supported by a rich variety of colorful characters, first of all Jefferson himself, whose interest in exploring and acquiring the American West went back thirty years. Next comes Clark, a rugged frontiersman whose love for Lewis matched Jefferson’s. There are numerous Indian chiefs, and Sacagawea, the Indian girl who accompanied the expedition, along with the French-Indian hunter Drouillard, the great naturalists of Philadelphia, the French and Spanish fur traders of St. Louis, John Quincy Adams, and many more leading political, scientific, and military figures of the turn of the century.
High adventure, high politics, suspense, drama, and diplomacy combine with high romance and personal tragedy to make this outstanding work of scholarship as readable as a novel.
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awesome.
I’d read just more than one-third of this before I determined I’ve learned more than enough about Lewis and Clark. I will say this: Stephen Ambrose is nothing, if not thorough, (re)recording everything from the daily highs to the miles the expedition made on any given day. (I occasionally felt I was reliving an adolescent family vacation during …
It’s been a few years since I’ve read this book, but living in St. Charles, MO, reading it was a must. The book is excellent, as are all Ambrose’s books. It is never dull, is easy to read and will pull you in on the expedition. As you may or may not know the Corp of Discovery left St. Charles, Missouri as one of the last civilized places. One …
A non fiction book that’s almost like a page turner. Great historical read
Although this book could have been condensed it was informative and provided details of the challenges the expedition faced and the relationships established. Ambrose focuses more on Meriwether Lewis with insights of his earlier years of responsibility thrust on him at an early age and makes it clear Lewis is the expedition leader. He also …
Lewis and Clark as human and heros
vivid descriptions make you feel like you’re right there
Enthralling. Began my love affair with history. Characters came to life and their experiences keep returning to me Amazing that anyone could survive while accumulating so many plant and animal and scientific information.
The first book in my collection of Lewis and Clark books. It also inspired me to read every book by Stephan Ambrose.
One of my all time best books.
This was my first Ambrose book. I absolutely loved it! After that I read everything he wrote that I could find. Mr. Ambrose is one of the best historians I’ve ever read.
Great history of the Lewis and Clarke Expedition
Any book written by Stephen Ambrose is always worth reading. His research is impeccable, and writing outstanding.
Astonishing achievement at an early time in the US told in readable and informative prose. It should be required reading for everyone who cares about the building of our country.
A thorough account of the expedition, very informative.
It’s amazing what these guys endured.
A bit dry at times, but it takes you on the incredible expedition with Lewis, Clark and company. You learn about the country along with them, and learn about the characters and motivations of these extraordinary men.
An American epic tale…..a must read
Undaunted Courage is an amazing account of a true life adventure of Lewis & Clark as the lead there exhibition across North America to find a passage to the northwest. The reader learns American history as they discover north America with Lewis & Clark.
Perhaps the best human history of the Lewis & Clark expedition…its challenges, obstacles, triumphs, and impact on western expansion. The author focuses on the main participants & their motivation & contributions.