What do you think?
Rate this book
To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis & Clark
St. Louis, 1809. Three years after the triumphal return of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Meriwether Lewis never felt less like a hero. Trapped in a thankless political job, he's drinking too much and spending money like there's no tomorrow. When he's called to a mysterious meeting, Lewis hopes for a new adventure that will turn his life around. Instead, he finds himself drawn into a conspiracy to put him and William Clark at the head of a new American empire. Lewis has his faults, but he's no traitor ... and suddenly Lewis the explorer becomes the hunted. As for Clark, he's willing to risk everything to save his best friend from dishonor and disgrace. In the end, neither man can imagine the price to pay for their loyalty to each other and to their country. History and fiction merge seamlessly in this thrilling historical novel based on one of America's greatest unsolved mysteries. Lewis and Clark's last journey is a classic story of honor, vengeance, and redemption.
386 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2006
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Frances Hunter
2 books4 followershttp://www.frances-hunter.com
Frances Hunter is the pen name of two sisters, Mary Clare and Elizabeth Clare, who have put their lifelong love of storytelling to work writing historical fiction. They live in Austin, Texas. For their first novel, To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis & Clark, they conducted extensive historical research and traveled the entire route of the journey described in the book, as well as the Lewis and Clark Trail from Montana to the Pacific Coast.
To the Ends of the Earth is the winner of the 2007 Violet Crown Award for fiction, a silver medalist in the 2007 Independent Publisher awards, and a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's historical fiction Book of the Year. It was published by Blind Rabbit Press.
"
Frances Hunter is the pen name of two sisters, Mary Clare and Elizabeth Clare, who have put their lifelong love of storytelling to work writing historical fiction. They live in Austin, Texas. For their first novel, To the Ends of the Earth: The Last Journey of Lewis & Clark, they conducted extensive historical research and traveled the entire route of the journey described in the book, as well as the Lewis and Clark Trail from Montana to the Pacific Coast.
To the Ends of the Earth is the winner of the 2007 Violet Crown Award for fiction, a silver medalist in the 2007 Independent Publisher awards, and a finalist for ForeWord Magazine's historical fiction Book of the Year. It was published by Blind Rabbit Press.
"
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 30, 2012
This novel begins in St. Louis three years after the celebrations had ended with Will Clark serving as Superintendent of Indian Affairs and Meriwether Lewis as the appointed Governor of the Louisiana Territory. But the intervening years have not been kind to Lewis. He is fending off people to whom he is indebted and, more importantly, rebutting criticism from his superiors in Washington that he has misused government funds, and the rumors are washed down with a liberal amount of whiskey and a healthy dose of laudanum.
Sensing his vulnerability, Lewis is approached by James Wilkinson, who had been caught up in the Aaron Burr conspiracy a few years earlier, and who is now an agent of Spain. He attempts to involve Lewis in another conspiracy which will put him at the head of an empire carved out of the Louisiana Territory. Not only does Lewis not bite, but he heads off to Washington to defend his honor and to warn the government of Wilkinson's actions. Because Lewis believes that Wilkinson has hired men to kill him in New Orleans, he heads to the Federal City by way of the primitive Natchez Trace on horseback with the priceless records from the Expedition.
No one can say exactly what happened on the Natchez Trace, but what is known is that Meriwether Lewis, the hero of the Corps of Discovery, died alone in a room rented from a Mrs. Grinder. Because so few details are known, the author is free to create a story of conspiracy, pursuit, brutality, betrayal, and murder.
The characters of Lewis, Clark, Wilkinson, and York, Clark's slave, are richly detailed and wholly believable. Everything necessary to recreate the early part of the 19th Century in the Louisiana Territory is covered, and all is woven into the compelling story of Meriwether Lewis, a man who had become a drunk, drug-addicted, persecuted wreck of a man, and his friend, William Clark, who could do nothing to save him. The Lewis and Clark Expedition is one of the great events of American history. But for Meriwether Lewis, it all ended in a rustic cabin on a territorial road in Tennessee, and To the Ends of the Earth is his story.
Book was provided by the author.
Sensing his vulnerability, Lewis is approached by James Wilkinson, who had been caught up in the Aaron Burr conspiracy a few years earlier, and who is now an agent of Spain. He attempts to involve Lewis in another conspiracy which will put him at the head of an empire carved out of the Louisiana Territory. Not only does Lewis not bite, but he heads off to Washington to defend his honor and to warn the government of Wilkinson's actions. Because Lewis believes that Wilkinson has hired men to kill him in New Orleans, he heads to the Federal City by way of the primitive Natchez Trace on horseback with the priceless records from the Expedition.
No one can say exactly what happened on the Natchez Trace, but what is known is that Meriwether Lewis, the hero of the Corps of Discovery, died alone in a room rented from a Mrs. Grinder. Because so few details are known, the author is free to create a story of conspiracy, pursuit, brutality, betrayal, and murder.
The characters of Lewis, Clark, Wilkinson, and York, Clark's slave, are richly detailed and wholly believable. Everything necessary to recreate the early part of the 19th Century in the Louisiana Territory is covered, and all is woven into the compelling story of Meriwether Lewis, a man who had become a drunk, drug-addicted, persecuted wreck of a man, and his friend, William Clark, who could do nothing to save him. The Lewis and Clark Expedition is one of the great events of American history. But for Meriwether Lewis, it all ended in a rustic cabin on a territorial road in Tennessee, and To the Ends of the Earth is his story.
Book was provided by the author.
October 25, 2010
"To the Ends of the Earth; The Last Journey of Lewis and Clark," is a wonderful work of historical fiction. I'll admit that in the beginning, the first twenty pages or so, did not grab my attention at all. I found myself wondering how on earth I was going to get through this entire novel. Suddenly it was an hour later, I was over a hundred pages into the story, and completely intoxicated by it. The story is absolutely incredible, and once I got into it, I couldn't make myself put it down.
We all know who Lewis & Clark were (if you don't, go find out on your own, I'm not going to explain it to you here.) but what we don't all readily know, is what happened to them after their three year expedition. That is what this book is about. It opens in 1809, and Lewis is a man in trouble. He's drinking too much, writing government vouchers for things that later will not be honored, postponing the writing of his novel, and lying to his best friend.
Due to a corrupt adversary within the US government, Lewis sets out for Federal City (the then name for Washington DC) In tow, are all his journals, maps and notes from his previous expedition. En route, Lewis is faced with enemies and allies alike, sometimes making it impossible for him to tell the difference. Hearing that his friend may be in trouble, Clark packs up and leaves after him, hoping to save his friend.
Its hard to explain what takes place on the journey to Federal City without ruining the story for those who would like to read it. Just know that its full of twists and turns, ups and downs, chaos and honor. It's a story you won't soon forget, and one that should be added to any historical fiction library.
We all know who Lewis & Clark were (if you don't, go find out on your own, I'm not going to explain it to you here.) but what we don't all readily know, is what happened to them after their three year expedition. That is what this book is about. It opens in 1809, and Lewis is a man in trouble. He's drinking too much, writing government vouchers for things that later will not be honored, postponing the writing of his novel, and lying to his best friend.
Due to a corrupt adversary within the US government, Lewis sets out for Federal City (the then name for Washington DC) In tow, are all his journals, maps and notes from his previous expedition. En route, Lewis is faced with enemies and allies alike, sometimes making it impossible for him to tell the difference. Hearing that his friend may be in trouble, Clark packs up and leaves after him, hoping to save his friend.
Its hard to explain what takes place on the journey to Federal City without ruining the story for those who would like to read it. Just know that its full of twists and turns, ups and downs, chaos and honor. It's a story you won't soon forget, and one that should be added to any historical fiction library.
August 20, 2008
As the book opens, its 1809, three years after the Corps of Discovery has returned from the West, Meriwether Lewis is governor of the Louisiana Territory and William Clark is General of the militia. While Clark is happily married, Lewis is plagued by malarial fever, is drinking too much and is dependent upon laudanum for the pains from the fever. They are both about to be swept into a treasonous plot to gain control of the Louisiana Territory. To say anything more would give away the whole plot.
A fascinating life-like portrayal of the last days of one America's great adventurers, and the author has provided an interesting theory on one of our country's great mysteries. Worth checking out for any one interested in this period of our history. Four stars.
A fascinating life-like portrayal of the last days of one America's great adventurers, and the author has provided an interesting theory on one of our country's great mysteries. Worth checking out for any one interested in this period of our history. Four stars.
August 16, 2008
If you have any interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition, you must read this novel. The research that went into it is amazing!
February 26, 2020
Lewis and Clark Buff
I am not even American but I have read whatever shows up about Lewis and Clark. Even if it is played by Chris Farley and John Candy. This book felt like a stretch or I was unfairly expecting more historical background than what felt like endless description of idiosyncrasies. Did not like it, but the book deserves a chance.
I am not even American but I have read whatever shows up about Lewis and Clark. Even if it is played by Chris Farley and John Candy. This book felt like a stretch or I was unfairly expecting more historical background than what felt like endless description of idiosyncrasies. Did not like it, but the book deserves a chance.
September 12, 2018
Nice work of historical fiction. I began reading thinking this was a book about Merriweather Lewis, however it's Clark's show and that was a most pleasant surprise.
February 12, 2021
I really didn't know what the book was about when I purchased it. I had read some blogs by the author(s) about Lewis and Clark and thought the book was about the Lewis and Clark expedition. When I first started reading it, I was disappointed that it wasn't. But then I started reading and engrossed in the story about Meriwether Lewis' death--the mystery and intrigue.
While this is an account of what the authors thought happened, I do think it is plausible. I also like that it matched up with the historical account that Clark surmised that Lewis committed suicide.
I found the book entertaining. I do think it is fun when authors make historical events flow like a novel.
While this is an account of what the authors thought happened, I do think it is plausible. I also like that it matched up with the historical account that Clark surmised that Lewis committed suicide.
I found the book entertaining. I do think it is fun when authors make historical events flow like a novel.
July 23, 2013
One of the best Historical Fiction books I've read. I've always been fascinated with Lewis and Clark, and what happened to them after they returned from the famous journey.
The author brings them to life and his speculations are very convincing. If you like history as much as I do, you will really like this well-written novel.
The author brings them to life and his speculations are very convincing. If you like history as much as I do, you will really like this well-written novel.
October 11, 2023
Boooooring! I gave up at least 3/4 finished. Couldn't stand it. And the author made reference to, "her tiny hands, tiny little thing, child like little wife", even once more I would have thrown up.
April 11, 2008
What happened... afterwards.
November 3, 2008
I like historical books and found this very interesting.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews