This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis & Clark

by Craig Fehrman

In the epic tradition of Stephen Ambrose's Undaunted Courage, This Vast Enterprise offers a bold new take on the Lewis and Clark expedition, humanizing forgotten figures and shattering long-held myths about one of the most beloved episodes in American history.
Celebrated young historian Craig Fehrman, whose first book, Author in Chief, was hailed by Thomas Mallon in The Wall Street Journal as "one of the best books on the American presidency to appear in recent years,"delivers a major new account of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark returned from their long journey, in 1806, they brought an incredible tale starring themselves as courageous explorers, skilled scientists, and peaceful ambassadors. There was truth in those descriptions. But there was also distortion.

For the first time in a generation, This Vast Enterprise offers a fresh and more accurate account of their expedition--a gripping narrative that draws on new documents, stunning analysis, and Native perspectives. Fehrman's central insight is that the success of Lewis and Clark depended on much more than just Lewis and Clark. We all know Sacajawea, and some of us know York, the Black man Clark enslaved. But This Vast Enterprise introduces us to John Ordway, a working-class soldier who fought grizzlies and towed the captains' bulky barge. It introduces us to Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot teenager who watched his friend die in a battle with Lewis and his men.

To capture this cast of characters, each chapter in This Vast Enterprise moves to a new point of view, describing that person's desires and contradictions with an unprecedented level of care. Fehrman balances the story's inherent adventure with the humanity of its protagonists. One chapter shows Thomas Jefferson operating in an age of bitter partisan unrest--his secret maneuvers to fund the expedition, uncovered here for the first time, are a case study in presidential power. Another chapter reveals the strategy and strength of Black Buffalo, a Lakota leader, completely upending our understanding of early Lakota American diplomacy. In his chapters, Clark is not a bad speller but a student of the Enlightenment. (Fehrman found Clark's college notebook.) Lewis is someone whose psychological demons feel at once heartbreaking and modern.

And yet, in the end, the captains are men who needed help--from Sacajawea, from York, and from each other. Their expeditiontruly was a vast enterprise, a sprawling and federally funded military mission that came down to the heroic sacrifices of a few human beings. This book portrays those people, all of them, for the first time. It is more than just a work of history--it's a testament to the power of innovative research and emotional storytelling, and a thrilling reminder that even the most familiar moments in history can still surprise us.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History, Biography, Travel, Adventure, Audiobook

544 pages, Hardcover

First published April 21, 2026

About the author

Craig Fehrman, a journalist and historian, spent five years writing and researching This Vast Enterprise. His first book, Author in Chief, was described by Thomas Mallon in The Wall Street Journal as “one of the best books on the American presidency to appear in recent years.” Fehrman lives in Indiana with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Matt- History on the Hudson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Vast Enterprise by Craig Fehrman elevates narrative nonfiction to a new standard. Fehrman breathes fresh life into the legendary saga of Lewis and Clark’s expedition to the American West through a compelling storytelling device: each chapter is told from a different perspective, ranging from members of the Corps of Discovery to the diverse individuals they encountered along the way. This approach is at its most powerful when Fehrman amplifies voices often sidelined in history, such as York, William Clark’s enslaved body servant, and Sacagawea, the iconic Shoshone translator and some of the leaders of the Native Nations the Corp encountered.

Fehrman also provides an immersive look into the various Native American Nations the Corps encountered, offering nuanced insights into the traditions and cultures of the Blackfoot, Mandan, and Shoshone peoples. Arriving just in time for the 250th anniversary of American Independence , This Vast Enterprise is a refreshing reexamination of the expedition’s role in America’s westward expansion and diplomatic evolution. However, the book truly excels by providing vital context for life in the early 19th century and offering a profound new perspective on the Indigenous Nations that once ruled the American West.

[Ann Margolis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a truly wonderful book. There is so much great detail, insight and revelation in this expert tracing of The Lewis and Clark Expedition. There is the character and heroism of the leaders and their exploration team is revealed and each individual is a study in courage, patience, hopefulness and strength. Fehrman even takes time to follow up on his own extensive research. His writing style captured my interest throughout and I looked forward to “picking up where I had left off” every evening. One of the best features of this book is the description of each native-American tribe and leader. They are “real” individuals here and indigenous society is revealed in their societies, wars, villages,,reactions to the explorers. Thomas Jefferson is a central figure and his personality and intellect shine thru the entire story. I would recommend this book to everyone seriously interested in American History. The expedition was monumental.Fehrman always tells an exciting story.
Thank you NetGalley,author,Craig Fehrman,publisher, Simon and Schuster for the arc ebook of The Vast Enterprise.
On Sale April 21,2026

[Luke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hearing the names Lewis & Clark took me back to the chalkboard-walled rooms of grade school history class. Reading "This Vast Enterprise" put my bare feet into the icy rapids of the Missouri river, where jagged rocks sliced open my skin.

This is my way of saying that Craig Fehrman's "New History" reads like a novel. Rich with colorful descriptions of skies, rivers, and rolling prairies. Saturated with details that appeal to other senses. For example, I felt the sting of mosquito bites and sweat that soaked my shirt as I empathized with the rugged explorers who burned 5,000 calories a day.

And these pages are packed with action. Grizzly bears chasing terrified soldiers, boats tipping into foamy waters with non-swimmers aboard, and a hungry and cold march through the mountains that has a happy ending.

Each chapter in this book is viewed through the eyes of a particular person who played a role in the bigger story. The author calls them the "Cast of Characters." Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, York (a builder, hunter, and body servant of Clark), Thomas Jefferson, Sacajawea, John Ordway (first sergeant), and Black Buffalo (Lakota leader) are some, among many, examples.

Thanks to Fehrman's thoughtful approach, my own eyes have been opened to just how massive this expedition was. And how many lives made it happen and were touched by it. For better, for worse, and for everything in between.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in viewing this chapter in America's past through vivid narration.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I rate books strictly by how much I enjoy reading them, and I very much enjoyed this one. It was one of those books I found difficult to put down. It is very insightful, told through the eyes and feelings of many of the characters on the journey, as well as a few of those they encountered along the way.

I particularly liked the chapters on York (Clark's slave) and Sacajawea. Her reunification with her native tribe, her brother, and her best childhood friend is told in a manner that clearly brings out her emotions. York's relationship with his owner is equally complex; he clearly earns the respect of Clark and his fellow explorers during the trip, yet when the journey is complete, Clark is clear that he still "owns" York.

I highly recommend this book for any history buff. My only negative is that, in my opinion, Fehrman should have left out the second appendix involving unsubstantiated sexual innuendo. He goes so far as to baselessly suggest that Lewis and Clark may have had a sexual relationship while providing absolutely no evidence.

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exhaustively researched book that was, in some parts, quite detailed. But the detail is mostly necessary to tell the whole true story about the Corp and its adventures. Highly recommend to any history buff.

[Gail]

If you want to know every detail of why Lewis and Clark took their expedition, and how it went on a daily basis, then this book is for you. Fehrman gives the story a very human element, not just the over arching story but the toll on both Lewis and Clark, their staff, and even Jefferson, who was president.

Fehrman also does an excellent job of showing how precarious the whole venture really was—politically, financially, and personally. He doesn’t treat the expedition as a straight line from St. Louis to the Pacific, but as a series of improvisations, near‑failures, and lucky breaks that could easily have gone another way. The accumulating details of supply problems, personnel conflicts, and diplomatic missteps make the familiar story feel newly suspenseful rather than predetermined.

Very detailed, and a tad repetitive at times, but well researched.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a perfect example of a history book for the interested non- expert. My take is that of a fascinating topic, flowing narrative, healthy, intelligent, transparent, and well-founded speculation, dozens of opportunities for the reader to make an emotional, empathetic connection to the explorers and native peoples from an important and often misconceived era, an appreciation of the curiosity and technical and scientific rigor Lewis and Clark and their corps followed daily for several years, and brief but well understood political and historical background for the "enterprise". Other five-star components - awesome illustrations, reproduced from the captains journals and other high-quality contemporary accounts, and the "back material", the resources and artifacts that the author relied on to tell this most modern account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. An absolute treasure. Six stars! (Seven!)

[Prez · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should be classified as “historical fiction.” It is abundant with historic facts, the vast majority of which are well established. Yet, the promo touts telling the story from “a new point of view.” So, potential readers should wonder exactly how the established facts are reorganized or supplemented to gain a different vantage point. It turns out that the facts are supplemented by what purports to be the actual thoughts of some of the most critical actors; e.g. the book includes how York feels about being enslaved and Clark’s treatment of him; what Black Bull is thinking prior to and during the nearly disastrous standoff with the Corps; Sacagawea’s considerations about whether to stay with her people or proceed on to the coast with the Corps. Obviously, any previously unpublished thoughts of these key figures could constitute new points of view. However, these are simply the speculations of a third party attributed to them more than 200 years later. When I know a work of “history” is tainted with fiction I lose confidence in everything it says…

[Rhonda Hensarling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though at times an engaging story, I had to force myself to finish it. Living near the Missouri River in the Midwest, I have always had a fascination for Lewis and Clark and their expedition. The author has obviously done a great deal of research, but seems to me there is also a great deal of supposition. Not sure how factual much of the story actually is, although I did find parts of it interesting. I did enjoy learning more about the lives of some of the supporting characters, such as Sacajawea, York, and Ordway, but am left questioning what is fact and what is simply imagined.

[Patty Hagar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can’t remember why I picked this up but it’s dull af and I don’t need another 14 hours of white men justifying colonization.

[Catherine Mustread]

Promo: from lewis & Clark Trail Alliance.

Videocast Presentation

Join the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance for an exclusive online conversation with acclaimed historian and author Craig Fehrman. In this special event, Fehrman will introduce his groundbreaking forthcoming book, This Vast Enterprise: A New History of Lewis and Clark (Simon & Schuster, 2026).

Fehrman will reveal what’s truly “new” about his work—not only his discovery of fresh documents but also his innovative storytelling approach, shifting perspectives chapter by chapter. He’ll spotlight John Ordway, sharing new insights into his early military career (including his work on the Natchez Trace), and fresh interpretations of pivotal Corps of Discovery moments like Camp River Dubois and the portage.

Attendees will get a rare behind-the-scenes look at Fehrman’s research process, including a PowerPoint of key historical documents—such as the newspaper ad that may have led Ordway to enlist. He’ll discuss how he uncovered new material, shaped his narrative, and reimagined this iconic American expedition.

Sunday, November 2, 2025 • 3:00 PM MT • via Zoom

[Trevor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to American history, and, having arrived late to the party, I'm trying to play catch up. I'm not new in the sense that I don't know anything. Like any other cold-blooded American, I took AP U.S. history and AP Government in high school, but I was hellbent on learning nothing. I thought my bases were covered: I knew what happened in 1776, I'd seen Hamilton, and I'd been to Lexington and Concord.

But that's not to say I don't love history. Anyone who's met me can corroborate my love of old shit. What I've historically [;)] been drawn toward are ancient civilizations, the older the better. That pull, however, is starting to wain. And I think it's for the same reason many people don't like ancient history. Measuring the downstream effects of ancient history is much harder than observing the still active ripples made by early American history. Standing next to the McBaine Burr Oak, I can visualize the Corp. of Discovery floating up the Missouri River, how they probably saw the tree from the shoreline, and what it must've felt like to pass by the sheer cliffs that flank the river.

To make a long story short, I'm new to American history in the sense that I've now accepted it as my history. No more keeping it at arms length. I embrace it fully. And Craig Fehrman's work helps me do that. This book is a treasure. It's accessible and interesting, especially to those with little more than a running knowledge of Lewis and Clark. All of these figures—Lewis, Clark, York, Sacajawea, and especially Seaman—are monolithic figures in Missouri. Their statues are everywhere, and "This Vast Enterprise" freed them from their bronze molds. In this book, they are flesh and blood people with desires, thoughts, and faults. A+

What good fortune to have found David McCullough and Fehrman in the same year.

[Colin Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice addendum perspective on the Lewis and Clark expedition. Particularly appreciate the additional information on York and some of the Native American leaders.

The NYT review criticized the book for taking liberties with what many of the characters did and felt on the expedition wherever primary sources had gaps. I was primed to expect this, but it was far more pervasive than I thought.

The author speculates what the people on this expedition and many of those who encountered it thought and felt, probably not always inaccurately, but in such a way that felt extremely modern and anachronistic.

Superimposing contemporary characters and sensibilities onto people without conclusive evidence to back it up. Parts that made me cringe in particular were sections on Sacagawea’s expressiveness and feelings. And one bit about Ordway’s parents anxiously following news clippings of the expedition.

[Kip Kyburz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful telling of the Lewis & Clark expedition which still heavily features our titular explorers but does a great job foregrounding the other members of the expedition also. Sacajawea obviously, but also York, Clark’s slave, Ordway, the corps sergeant, as well as chapters devoted to the natives who found their lives briefly placed into the path of expedition and the lasting consequences of that.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love history and really enjoyed listening to this adventure with some new information on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

[Katrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Lewis and Clark expedition was remarkable and has been written about a lot. This book narrates the journey through the voices of several participants. The chapters on York and Sacagawea are pure conjecture and it detracts from the book. If you are interested in the expedition read Undaunted Courage by Steven Ambrose

[A W · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good popular-oriented take on the expedition. Not a scholarly work, but a good read. The biggest disappointment for me was that that author did not identify locations described in proximity to current-landmarks (near current day Bismarck, ND). That would have made it much easier to keep track of the narrative. I did come away from the book with a greater appreciation for Native American urban culture and for addressing issues like the sex lives of the explorers along the way, the complicated relationships between trappers, traders, Native American politics, British and French reactions, etc.

[Peter Tillman]

A nice excerpt is available from LitHub:
https://lithub.com/how-lewis-and-clar...
It's well worth reading. Here's a sample:
Lewis died, an apparent suicide, in 1809, without writing a word of his report to Jefferson. Clark struggled on, and finally persuaded Nicholas Biddle to prepare their journals for publication, which happened in 1814. President Jefferson, shocked at the loss of his friend Clark, wrote that Lewis and Clark had sacrificed so much to cross “that vast and fertile country,” a country Americans were “destined to fill.” And what would they fill it with? Well, farms and future states—this was Jefferson, after all. But the ex-president saw other possibilities: “with arts, with science, with freedom and happiness.”

Americans would fill it, in other words, with books."

I read the Lewis and Clark journals years ago, with a fair bit of skimming. Great stuff. I'm looking forward to this new account.

Wiki has a good account of the expedition:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lewis_a...

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thomas Jefferson believed that “somewhere in the continent’s huge and unmapped middle, the Missouri and the Columbia came close to connecting. He wanted a party…to find that connection-to chart the simplest river route from St. Louis to the Pacific.” “The expedition was a lifelong obsession…the mission framed as a commercial one…his real hopes…were science and geography-emphasizing the Enlightenment…”.

“When an imperial nation came across ‘new’ land, it could claim the territory through rituals of discovery…it owned only the right of preemption…Natives retained both the land and the right to sell it…No one brought up the Native view of preemption…Under the Law of Nations…a successful claim to a region’s preemption rights might start with a nation sending out scientific explorers…(establishing) a few trading posts…”.

“This Vast Enterprise”…the Corps of Discovery would travel eight thousand miles to find “the most direct and practicable water communications across this continent, for the purpose of commerce…land was also a motivation…” The start date-May 14, 1804, from Riviere a Dubois (Wood River) near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. In this thoroughly researched perspective, Historian Craig Fehrman examines the undertaking from the POV of members of the Corps which included York and Sacajawea as well as the expedition as eyewitnessed by Native Americans.

Captain Meriwether Lewis, President Thomas Jefferson’s personal secretary, was chosen to head the Expedition. Army life had given structure to this natural outdoorsman. Jefferson’s library provided an immersive experience enabling Lewis to delve into geography and natural history. On the journey, Lewis would concentrate on the scientific, detouring into the woods to collect plants… catch new species of animals. As per Jefferson’s instructions, he would be required to keep a journal documenting his findings.

Lewis requested that William Clark Co-Captain the Expedition. In response to Lewis’ letter, Clark replied,” My friend, I join you with hand and heart.” Lewis implied that Jefferson would “grant you a captain’s commission.” Clark carried himself like a captain. The commission was not forthcoming. Clark generated much of the Corp’s documentary record-not just journaling but creating a variety of new maps. Each day- Clark recorded a compass heading and a distance, along with latitude and longitude data Lewis collected, in order to create a future master map.

Would the expedition be met with hospitality or hostility? Lewis wanted “stout, healthy, unmarried men, accustomed to the woods and capable of bearing bodily fatigue in a pretty considerable degree…” John Ordway was tasked with the job of running a “boot camp” at Camp DuBois , the goal: shaping a group of soldiers and civilians into a cohesive unit while “keeping thirty or some men from fighting, deserting or drinking themselves to death.” Camp DuBois would be an experiment. In lieu of punishment, a democratic process of consensus and trust would be used. Collective strength would be the key to survival. Ordway was the Corps “de facto” Sergeant. He never received the commission.

York did not agree to join the Corps. As Clark’s slave, he didn’t share their freedom to choose…and was seen as an extension of Clark. York’s worth as a full bodied, important member would be proven time and time again. He felled trees, plowed fields, and built fences. As the party sailed their barges and pirogues, York added his muscle “to sail and row, pole and tow” watching out for sandbars and sawyers. “The more York succeeded, the more (Clark) wanted to humble him.” York did not become a free man until 1820.

Clark needed to grasp an important truth: “On the Missouri, and certainly on whatever came after, the Corps of Discovery was not in charge. Native people set the schedule. Native people held the power. Clark needed them more than they needed him.”

Sacajawea was a member of the Shoshone. The tribe traveled between the mountains and prairie on horseback. When the Hidatsa raided for horses and captives, Sacajawea was taken. French trader and translator Charbonneau won her in a drunken gambling match. As luck would have it, the Corps would take “one French man, his Indian squaw and Charbonneau’s infant son Pahmpi along with them.” Sacajawea and Pahmpi would be symbols of the Corp’s peaceful bearing. Sacajawea made herself indispensable to Lewis and Clark to increase the chances of returning home to the Shoshone. Lewis "smelled and chewed countless plants asking Sacajawea about their Native applications. She showed them how to craft moccasins to protect feet from “prickly pears”. She noticed landmarks, especially the Three Forks, where she was captured five years prior and a patch of red earth-used to make red paint. A joyful encounter ensued with her brother, now Chief Camwahwait. Lewis and Clark would now be able to rent or buy the horses they needed to travel across the Rockies on the last leg of their journey to reach the Pacific Ocean.

Coboway was the most powerful leader of the Clatsop tribe. “He maintained an extensive network of allies, informants and commercial partners. “Adaption and negotiation were Clatsop values.” Meriwether Lewis also “Adapted. He improvised. He persevered.” Coboway saw the Americans as a potential source of not just goods but of profit.” The Clatsops would permit the Corps to build a winter fort within their boundaries.The Clatsop were “extremely fond” of guns while Americans understood the value of Clatsop canoes. A canoe, wrote Lewis, was the “article of the greatest value except a wife, with whom it is equal…If a canoe was worth a wife, why wouldn’t it be worth a few rifles?’

In addition to the extensive footnotes provided, Historian Fehrman presents aquatints drawn by artist Karl Bodmer. Images include photos of Clark’s field notes and a poll that tallied the votes each Corp member, including York, cast to establish the site of their winter quarters after reaching the Pacific. Sacajawea’s opinion was noted as well.

This was a thoroughly enjoyable and informative scholarly read. Highly recommended.

Thank you Alexandra Primiani @Avid Reader Press for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[BethFishReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This reexamination of the Lewis and Clark expedition focuses on the people rather than the "discoveries."

Told roughly chronologically, this account presents the background and perspective of a number of individuals. Of course Lewis and Clark have the most chapters, but we also gain understanding through the eyes of Thomas Jefferson, Clark's slave York, a couple of expedition members, and several Native Americans (including Sacajawea).

Because Lewis and Clark kept detailed journals and encouraged the men to do the same, Fehrman was able to rely on a good bit of firsthand information. He also used post-expedition newspaper articles and a couple of interviews conducted decades after the journey ended. When he didn't have a specific source, Fehrman lets us know by using language such as "surely he was worried" and "no doubt she was happy to see her family."

The print book includes a number of maps, a cast of characters, several illustrations, and two full-color plate inserts.

Here is a bit more of what the book includes and what stuck with me.

I liked the deep dive into Lewis's and Clark's lives. We learn of Lewis's depression and Clark's slave-owing background. We discover the things that excited them and how they differed in terms of socializing, diplomacy, democracy, attitudes toward the natural world, and problem solving. Though history has taught us that Lewis and Clark were equal partners, Fehrman clarifies their individuals roles. We also discover their flaws.

I was particularly interested in York's experiences. He was the only black slave in the group, and the men had various attitudes toward him. York's role changed as the journey continued and changed again as the group returned to the east and returned to "settled" America.

Fehrman clarifies the nature of the Louisiana Purchase and Jefferson's true goals for the expedition. Though finding a route to the west coast and making scientific observations were important, other goals revolved around trade and land rights.

The chapters about Sacajawea explored her personal history and what it must have been like to be the only woman on the journey. Rather than being a generous person who volunteered to help, Sacajawea was actually kind of slave. Her white "husband" bought her and asserted his rights over her future and their child (she gave birth during the expedition).

Fehrman reveals the different ways Lewis and Clark interacted with the many indigenous people they met. Each group had its own motivations and understandings of what they wanted out their interactions with the white men. As one would expect, some groups were helpful and others were hostile. Fehrman also contrasted the expedition's relationship with the natural world and hunting with those of the indigenous people they met.

The appendix goes into the post-expedition lives of the key players, discusses sources, and considers sexual activity. Fehrman also includes information from an interview with Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot, who met Lewis and Clark at one of their camps. The encounter didn't turn out well. It was interesting to see the difference between his perspective of that day (albeit recorded many years later) with the account told in the expedition journals.

In the appendix and the endnotes, Fehrman talks about his sources and interpretations and discusses the differences between oral and written history.

As I often do with nonfiction, I listened to the audiobook but had a copy of the print edition at hand. The audiobook was performed by a half dozen narrators to reflect the changing focus of each chapter. As is often the case with multi-narrator audios, some of the performances were better than others. Overall though, I had few complaints and accepted the various accents and pronunciations of non-English words and names. The general tempo of the audiobook seemed a little slow, so listeners may want to increase their listening speed.

I was grateful that Simon & Schuster Audio included a PDF with the maps, some of the illustrations, the cast of characters, and the appendix. These materials enhanced my listening experience. My only question is their decision to not include the appendix in the audiobook. I understand leaving out the very informative endnotes, but I'm disappointed that the appendix was not included in the audiobook itself, especially because the it provides insight into Fehrman's process.

Regardless, I still recommend the audiobook.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for the review copy; the print copy is in my personal library.

[Cat Rayne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book kept me from other responsibilities that required my time, and I do not care. When a book creates an immersion need, to avoid all else, it is an exemplary read. For me anyway….

First, the structure of the book, mostly chronological but presented in multiple points of view beyond the obvious, Meriweather Lewis and William Clark. It proved a fantastic trip from Camp River Dubois to the Pacific.

History lauds the two men, Lewis and Clark, but without several others the expedition would not have met success. Specifically, John Ordway, Sacajawea, and York. Each chapter took the point of view of an individual as the trek was made and it proved fascinating. All three could tell the story without Lewis and Clark.

The insight into the personality of Lewis was new to me, an obvious introvert, lover of animals the man was an obsessive learner, intense, and a self-aware overthinker. His death at 35 was a shocking end, yet the story prepared an attentive reader. Clark, on the other hand, was more social, driven with diplomacy that served him well in Native interactions. He definitely evolved in his views of his slave York and appeared to treat him as an equal by mid-journey . So, when he reverted to his former “master” attitude on returning to (then) America, it was a disappointment.

The book itself is beautiful, full of photos and maps and quality paper. Author Fehrman provides over seventy pages of footnotes and research notes.

It was a library borrow, but will be purchased to include in my personal library.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you only read one nonfiction history book this year, it must be this one. It’s engaging and interesting and well researched. There are full color illustrations and endnotes for each chapter. I can’t even imagine the number of hours that went into this amazing work.

This Vast Enterprise is a beautifully written work of narrative nonfiction that goes down like butter. Each chapter is from a different person’s point of view describing their part in the famous expedition. We meet some side characters who you might not have heard of who were pivotal in the success of the mission.

You may have seen me mention my family connection to Meriwether Lewis’ family. My dad’s family line descends from his uncle, Nicholas Meriwether (his mother Lucy’s brother). The Meriwether lore is strong in my family… my daughter’s middle name is Meriwether. I’m even a member of The Meriwether Society. I know… total nerd. But I loved my grandmother (who was a Meriwether) and she was proud of her family. If she were alive I would give her a copy and we would have our own little book club. My dad is 83 and it’s hard to impress him, but when I gave him this book yesterday he started reading it immediately and said “Oh! This is going to be good!” We are never too old to be happy when we impress our father, right?

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

544 pages


5 stars

A remarkable travelogue about Meriwether Lewis and William Clark’s historic expedition across the country to the Pacific Ocean.
Extremely well written and brilliantly colorful, I adored this book The characters are fully fleshed out, with unique personaiIties and quirks. Lewis and Clark were very good friends, but had very different approaches to life. I was excited to learn about the various members of the expedition, especially York and Ordway

I can’t praise this book enough. The fine writing, wonderful descriptions of the flora, fauna and weather experienced along the journey were simply outstanding. The encounters with the Native peoples along the route were interesting and well described.

I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the early history of the United States, or who has an interest in exploration.

I thank NetGalley and Avid Reader Press / Avid Reader Press - Simon & Schuster For forwarding this book to me. Any opinions cited in this review are solely my own.

[Ryan Goodwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Vast Enterprise is a thoughtful and meaningful contribution to the Lewis and Clark cannon, a must-read for fans of the Expedition, Jefferson, the West, or exploration at large.

Author Craig Fehrman carefully weaves meticulously researched details with thoughtful and well-informed speculation, rendering a narrative that brings the expedition’s cast of characters to life. Fehrman gives extra attention and life to lessor known but vitally important characters. Even experienced Lewis and Clark readers will develop a deeper understanding of the lives, hearts, and minds of the likes of Coboway, Sacajawea, York, and others, all of whom played make-or-break roles in the expedition’s success.

Fehrman combines an authoritative research base (the Notes section is as enjoyable of a read as the text itself) with a narrative that moves as swiftly as the Missouri River on the expedition’s return.

The result: a moving and humanizing narrative that makes for a truly delightful read.

[Raymond · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew very little about the Lewis and Clark expedition prior to reading this detailed account. I wondered about Lewis maintaining his care and companionship with his newfoundland hound
seaman and dismayed with Clark as an entitled slave owner with his treatment of his personal servant York who was often the center of attention with the natives because of his black skin. It seemed amazing that Sacajawea with here acquired STD gave birth to her son during the bitterly cold winter environment and both survived illness and much misfortune. The accompanying military contingents also suffered from the environment, STD and many misfortunes but even with touch and go with the natives eventually made it to the Oregon coast where they stole a capable native canoe to assist in their return trek
It seems none of the survivors flourished when they returned after the expedition even though awarded acclaim and rewards.

[Sarah Peck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure what it is about entering my 40s, but I'm becoming more obsessed with history — understanding where we came from, what people actually lived through, and sifting through the tales that we tell to find out, to the best of our ability, what life was actually like.

I've heard nothing but amazing reviews of this book so far, and multiple friends have pointed me to this book. It's on my stack and I can't wait to read it. Instead of relying on one narrator, the author sifts through the notes and tellings of many different people on the trip.

Instead of painting this journey as a trip done by two people (Lewis and Clark), it reminds us that there are dozens of people involved, including slaves, and that each person was an instrumental part in this epic voyage.

History nerds, delight.

[Carole Beach · Rating 4 out of 5]

A "must-have" for the Lewis & Clark fan - this book fills in information on some of the characters of the legendary expedition. It's not a step-by-step chronology like Stephen Ambrose's wonderful "Undaunted Courage", but more of an accompaniment. We also hear from some "new faces" like Black Buffalo, a Sicangu Lakota chief, and Wolf Calf, a Blackfoot man.

The maps are excellent.

I gave it a "4" instead of a "5" because of a quibble with the way the author continually harped on the relationship between William Clark and his slave, York. Yes, it was "toxic", as is all slavery in any age. But judging the 1804-1806 William Clark by today's standards does not, in my opinion, give us a true picture of Clark.

[Dustin Sinclair · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfect combination of history and humanity.

Fehrman allows the reader to view the expedition from multiple human perspectives. It allows readers to see the pain, struggle, and hardship behind this celebrated achievement!

Every character has moments to step forward and moments to fade into the background — as the reader you get to choose the hero, you get to choose the perspective through which you want to interpret to story.

While very well researched and historically grounded, the book reads with the immersion of great fiction—pulling you beyond the page and fully into the journey.

[mjm136 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book revealing many details about the Lewis & Clark expedition that I did not know. Told from a variety of individual perspectives, including both Lewis and Clark, as well as Sacagawea, Clark's slave York, and several Native American leaders.

Only a couple of nits: first, some of the descriptions of the places the expedition travelled got a bit long; and second, I wish the author had explained from what sources he drew particular individual's accounts, and especially their supposed internal thoughts and feelings. Were those thoughts and feelings documented anywhere or were they the author's informed suppositions?

Still, a really good book.

[Geraldine Watson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A richly researched and revisionist history, This Vast Enterprise reexamines the Lewis and Clark expedition with fresh insight and emotional depth. Craig Fehrman moves beyond the familiar legend to spotlight the overlooked individuals whose contributions shaped the journey, from Indigenous leaders to enslaved and working-class companions.

Balancing historical scholarship with vivid storytelling, the book challenges long-held myths while humanizing its iconic figures. It’s an illuminating and compelling read that proves even the most celebrated chapters of history can still reveal surprising new truths.