From Sea to Shining Sea

by James Alexander Thom

In one generation, the Clark family of Virginia fought for our nation's independence, and explored, conquered, and settled the continent from sea to shining sea. This powerfully written book recreates the warm life of the family, the dangers of the battlefield, the grueling journeys across an untamed wilderness, and the soul-stirring Lewis and Clark Expedition. This mighty epic is a fitting tribute to the wisdom and courage of Ann Rogers Clark, her husband John, and the ten sons and daughters they nurtured and inspired.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, American History, Westerns, Adult, American Revolutionary War

896 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

James Alexander Thom (born 1933) is an American author, most famous for his works in the Western genre. Born in Gosport, Indiana, he graduated from Butler University and served in the United States Marine Corps. He is a former professor of journalism at Indiana University, and a contributor to the The Saturday Evening Post. His fifth wife, Dark Rain Thom was a member of the Shawnee United Remnant Band until its dissolution; the Thoms presently live in the "Indiana hill country" near Bloomington.

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upgrading this review to say - Hands down, my favorite book. Ever. Yes, that is a HUGE statement but have you ever finished reading something and been devastated that the story is over? Have you ever read something where you go on a research spree immediately afterwards to learn more about the characters, the time period, the events in history, etc? This is one such book.

I got hooked on historical fiction over fifteen years ago when I read 'Follow the River' by this same author. I would recommend him as being up there in the top 5 of the historical fiction genre. Thom's penchant for historical detail and captivating storytelling make for a really great rainy-day read. In this book, you follow the George Roger's Clark family and their explorations into the Western frontier. It might sound like dry reading, but it's anything BUT. There is plenty of action, suspense, and a little romance...and all based on true events!

Even as lengthy as the book is, I still didn't want it to end. Thom's books, all the ones I've read thus far, have been far better than any of the modern literature that I seem to find myself reading lately. If you get a quarter of the way into the book, you will be hooked...and you will have a lot of restless nights ahead of you because it's definitely a page-turner and a fun read which takes you into the heart of the American wilderness. This book might require a little patience. Get past the first 200 pages and you are in for one of the most memorable books you may ever read about a lesser known hero in frontier America.

I can't tell you how excited I was to find out that there is another book that isn't exactly a sequel, but IS. It's called 'Long Knife' and it fills in the gaps of the story. It seems that Thom was just as fond of the George Rogers Clark family and had just as hard a time not writing more about them as I had just as hard a time putting down 'From Sea To Shining Sea'. I made my husband read it and it became his favorite book of all time. After he read it, he purchased two copies to give to two of his brothers. I am confident if they read it, they will also recommend it to everyone they know. The book is really that good. Be prepared for a deep-welled sense of coming home to the America long forgotten and buried with time. This book instilled an amazing love of country and respect for our forefathers and I'm shocked more people haven't read Thom's books. He is simply one of the most brilliant writers I've ever had the pleasure of reading.

[Holly Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

This epic historical fiction novel follows the American (originating in Virginia) Rogers/Clark family from 1773 to 1806. Mary and John Clark had ten children (including William of the William and Clark Expedition). All contributed to different facets of American liberty and exploration. The character and courage Mary and John instilled in their children is amazing.

The first two hundred pages introduce us to the family and its dynamics. Jonathan and George, the two eldest sons, are portrayed next. George is notable as a wilderness adventurer. He captured enemy outposts in the west (at Vincennes largely through bluffing), founded the state of Kentucky and was known as “Long Knife.”

James Alexander Thom incorporates documented American history into each section of his story. We read of bloody battles, military tactics, prison ships, smallpox outbreaks and subsequent use of the vaccine. The last third of the book is a fascinating account of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The first two hundred pages move a bit slowly. Much violence is depicted because much occurred in our relationships with Native Americans and during the Revolution. If you stick with it you will enjoy a history lesson imbedded within the story of an honorable American family who was instrumental in building our country.

If you haven’t read Follow the River by the same author, you are missing a great book.

Reviewed by Holly Weiss, author of
Crestmont

[Patricia Kitto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the few books I've read that after reading 20 pages, I flipped to the back of the book (this was when I was still reading paper books!) to see how many pages there were because I didn't want it to be over! After reading it, I went on a tear - reading everything I could about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and ended up naming my third child after William Clark!

This book is fast paced and really takes you places.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an incredible history of the Clark family and the influence they had on shaping our country's history. William Clark was the other half of the Lewis/Clark expidition. His brothers were soldiers in the Revolutionary War and were influential in our winning that war. This is a little know fact, probably obscured by their more famous brother. This is a long read---allow at least a week, but well worth the time you'll spend.

[Marj · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my kind of book. Granted, it took me over 6 months to read (due to other activities over the summer and a few other books to squeeze in along the way). And even though the book is nearly 900 pages, it is so readable and interesting and it never bogs down. I was really sad when it ended; I wanted more. Thom makes you feel as if you know the characters; as though they are your friends or your family; and to feel history as if you were actually there. I learned things about the revolutionary war, the expansion to the west, the Lewis and Clark expedition, and the other members of the Clark family I never knew about. George Rogers Clark was my favorite. I just learned that there is a George Rogers Clark Museum in Lexington Kentucky. I hope to go there someday and learn more about this remarkable revolutionary war hero.

[Suzanna · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is my least favorite of Thom's books so far. This novel follows the lives of the Clarks in early America. I found the depiction of the family, particularly when involving the parents, to be sappy and sentimental. In terms of entertainment, I enjoyed the last third of the book the most, and could see much of the foundation for building later, better novels in that latter section. The best part of this read, for me, was gleaning information about the time period and reinforcing my understanding of some of the timeline.

[Mary Choate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating story. At times a tiny slow, but you will feel more educated and inspired after reading it. It's about the entire Clark family (Clark as in Lewis and Clark...) This happened during our Revolutionary War and continues while our country is being established. I haven't met anyone that didn't like this book! These people will surprise and amaze you, especially since they are real people!!

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author wrote one of my favorite books (Follow the River), which is what led me to read this book initially. However, I also wanted to learn more about the Lewis and Clark expedition and the exploration of the United States. Fascinating to get a glimpse of what went into mapping out the United States.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no better writer of historical fiction than James Alexander Thom. He brings the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to life. When I travelled part of their trail, I knew just what Lewis and Clark had experienced in their journeys, thanks to having read this book.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was totally involved in this book. I started it mostly because I heard from our Lewis and Clark guide, the late Bob Gatten, that it is what first got him interested in Lewis and Clark.
Then I put the book down because it started with what I viewed as a hokey point of view- something like the journal of William Clark's mother writing about how her children were the real founding fathers (and mothers) of the US. On my trip to Montana this summer I started again with the intention of pushing past the four or five brothers ahead of William who was only 4 or 5 when his brother George Rogers Clark opened up Kentucky. However that part grew on me and I couldn't put the book down. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of colonial life in Virginia, Revolutionary War life in Virginia and in Kentucky, the stories of the Rev War battles in SC and aboard the hulks off NYC, the conquest of the NW territory, and life along the Ohio River. I didn't get to Lewis and Clark until 2/3 thru the book.
Along the way we lost the mother's narrative and then the author began using lengthy quotes from Clark's and Lewis' journals. Sacajawea comes to life as does the true circumstances of the Corps of Discovery.
In spite of the changing points of view, I was enthralled and would highly recommend this book to anyone liking historical fiction in general and L&C specifically.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The amazing saga of the Clark family and the role they played in founding this country, liberating it from the British and exploring its farthest reaches. This novel combines history, adventure and gripping storytelling, and the characters are wonderfully depicted and nuanced. Their bravery, strength and selflessness are inspiring. It’s very long, but well worth the time for history lovers.

[Lona Manning]

This book gripped me from the first page and all the way to the end. Based on the true story of a pioneering American family. The adventures and travails of George Rogers, especially, are inspiring and amazing.

[Anthony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Review soon, need to reflect

[Sandy Gurile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just cannot say enough good about this book. I loved it!

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author lives in Bloomington Indiana, taught journalism at IU. Great book!

[Marlene Koslowsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this quite awhile back, actually while living out of the country. It was quite an adventure, heading West with Lewis and Clark. Thom did a marvelous job making each moment very real to me. I have not read the book by Stephen Ambrose on the same topic, which I hear is great, too. When I finished Thom's book, I decided I was way too exhausted to travel that route again!

[Marilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great account of the Louis and Clark Expedition (The Expeditionary Force). They found the Northwest Passage to the Pacific Ocean. I enjoyed reading about how much the Indians helped them. Also, the book told about William Clark's famous brothers, and their contributions to the Revolutionary War (two or three were generals).

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, I finally and unfortunately have finished this wonderful book. I don't know how I'll live without my Captain William Clark, General George Clark and the rest of the wonderful Clark Family. I'm am impressed by this author's version of the wonderful events that shaped our free country. If you've ever read Undaunted Courage, you will like this warmer and not told story.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This softcover is over 800 pages and I'm STILL sad that it's over. I never knew much more than William Clark's name (and that in relation to the Lewis & Clark trail), but now feel much more informed; not just about Cap'n Clark, but his whole family as well... and their far-reaching influence on the expansion of the United States. Great read!

[Mitzi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this one - I liked how he included most of the Clark family in the story, rather than just George and William (those two did get the most pages though, for sure). They really were an extraordinary family! I thought the end was a little abrupt - the book was already long I guess... Overall a great read!

[Lynell Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this is a work of fiction I appreciate Thom's thorough research and detail. The characters are real people and the events significant. A great overview or actually of slice of an important time in American history. A great read for those enjoying history but not wanting to do extensive scholarly research.

[Sebrina Messner · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Alexander Thom is an amazing author-- he has access to America's original historical documents as a resource for accuracy, often treks the same path as his protagonists, and has the writing ability to make you feel as if you are "right there."

Sea to Shining Sea is one I have referred to many readers. No one has ever been disappointed.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm about half way through this one right now. Tells of John and Ann Rogers Clark and their children. The battle with the Brittish to gain freedom from the monarchy, Indian/American wars, and the founding of Kentucky. Good stuff.
Finished! Good book, love the historical fiction type stories...

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absorbing historical narrative about John and Ann Rogers Clark and their ten sons and daughters, including the famed William Clark of the Lewis and Clark team. An amazing family and an incredible time period in which to live.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best historical novel I've ever read. James Alexander Thom develops his characters until you feel you know them intimately. I learned more about the Revolutionary War from this book than I ever did in a classroom. Highly recommended!

[Megan Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great historical fiction about the Clark family (like Lewis and Clark). I especially liked the side story of Clark's older brother. This is another big one, but totally worth the read if you're interested in American colonial/revolutionary times.

[Karen]

I loved this book--what an adventure !!! It is hard to believe that people took a journey and explored our country in such an early time. The hardships were unreal; true friendships were formed that could never be forgotten.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been a while since I read it. I remember it being about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Might have been about the whole Clark family. They were an incredible family!

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love any books from this time period-fiction or true. Learning some of the history of exploration of the United States was so captivating.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to know this historical American family. They were involved in a great deal of our country's history. I loved it!