Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and the Opening of the American West by Stephen E Ambrose

by StephenE.Ambrose

Undaunted Courage[Meriwether Lewis Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West] [UNDAUNTED COURAGE] [Prebound]

Genres: History, American History

Hardcover

Published June 1, 1997

Reviews

[Graham Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
I did learn a lot of stuff I never heard before: whether noble, cringey, disenchanting, or plain fascinating. The expedition really was a delicate balance that worked out. A lot of grace from native tribes of the day and some close calls that could have turned the course of history to something else. Some parts felt like you were there for it.

Not the best biography work for the story in my opinion. Odd tangents of unrelated context or overly repetitive at times. Focuses mostly on Lewis and wanted to know more of some other characters. Good read if the specific topic intrigues you enough.

[Seth Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know I give 5 star ratings out too easily, but this book recalibrated my scales…holy smokes.

I am awed, inspired…truly floored by the epic expedition of the Corps of Discovery, and at the same time saddened by the sobering tragedy of the life of Meriwether Lewis.

The book does lack some nuance as it considers the expedition from the perspectives of a somewhat romanticized Meriwether Lewis and Thomas Jefferson, and hardly from the perspectives of the Native Americans who felt the future effects of American Imperialism.

However, the book’s enthusiastic admiration of the sheer effort, courage, and perseverance of Lewis, Clark, and the Corps of Discovery is contagious. It was impossible not to be swept up in the adventure and grandeur of the voyage.

Also, what an insanely well synthesized work of scholarship to funnel so much information and previous literature into as engaging a retelling as this. I am absolutely blown away by Stephen Ambrose’s vision and writing. I will be reading more of him for sure.

To anyone who loves adventure, exploration, perseverance, and history, this book is for you.

[Emily Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

the best parts of this book are the direct quotes from Lewis and Clark’s journals, and their endless creativity when it comes to spelling

[Alexander Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding history of Lewis and Clark's journey overland to the Pacific Ocean and back. In 1803, President Jefferson offered to buy New Orleans from France to counter British and Spanish expansion. Napoleon, struggling with a slave revolt in Saint Domaine (Haiti), offered to sell Louisiana Louisiana meant New Orleans and the entire drainage of the Missouri/Mississippi river. Jefferson picked a young army officer, Merriwether Lewis who was being brought up as part of his extended family at Monticello to lead the expedition. Lewis picked Lieutenant Clark to accompany him. Jefferson had continental ambitions to control the fur trade in Oregon, but first had to secure the United States's claim to the land they had purchased. An epic exploration ensued. The only other thing that might be compared to the expedition is possibly the Moon race of the 1960s. In terms of remoteness and difficulty, the Lewis and Clark expedition cements America's reputation as leading pioneers and explorers. Of course there are many details that I was unaware of including the fate of Clark as an administrator and Lewis's suicide. I will leave those details to anyone who wants to read this excellent book

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, adventurous story of the historic exploration of the Louisiana Purchase. Well- documented explicit details of the people, places, and times. As I read, I became increasingly impressed with Lewis and his many abilities that are credited with the success of the mission. I loved learning so much about the beautiful Great Plains, the western mountains, the rivers, the native inhabitants, and the flora and fauna as told through the eyes of Lewis, Clark, and the other members of the Corps of Discovery. It took me so long to read only because I had many distractions.

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good telling of the adventure and the nuts and bolts of the operation

[Sean Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing book that completely reframed the Lewis and Clark expedition. Well written and great fun.

[Jim Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating account of an epic adventure.