Richard (Founder-PBS) -
Helpful Score: 6
If you really want to understand how difficult life was on the open plains, this is a must read. A great piece of history and a very interesting story that gives you a fresh look at a true American Adventure.
Charles H. (hazlett) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on
Helpful Score: 5
This is, without a doubt, the very best history book I have ever read. Amborse did a masterful job of putting you with Lewis & Clark on this fantastic journey.
Kim T. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
A riveting account of Lewis and Clark's journey through the newly acquired Louisiana territory, from conception to completion, focusing primarily on Meriwether Lewis.
Geraldine L. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
An indepth look at Meriwether Lewis, Thomas jefferson and the westward expansion. I got a clearer understanding of what it was like to be part of this look at America's History. Action packed and a book that held my interest from cover to cover.
Gerhard O. (nccorthu) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 569 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
Great Book. Really gives a complete history of these events based on all he could find. Reads like a novel and makes the greatest adventure come to life, especially for anyone who has been to those parts.
Sheryl B. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 28 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Abridged version of the book of the same title which runs approx. 4.5 hours. List price $25.00.
Carol P. (CarolP) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 3 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Thois is a terrific historical perspective of the Lewis and Clarkm expedition with the focus on Merriwether Lewis. Ambrose is a master story teller. Just recently discussd at my bookclub. Enjoyed by all.
Russ S. (RussS) -
Helpful Score: 2
A very intersting biography of Meriwether Lewis and his "Voyage of Discovery" of the Western United States. Original goal was to find a water route (the Missouri river?) to the Pacific Ocean. Especially interesting was the preparation for the trip including
considerations of who to bring (Clark, Sacagawea and others) and Lewis's scientific education in astronomy and botany from Thomas Jefferson for several months before the trip started. I also learned this was not the only expedition sponsored by Jefferson, but it was by far the most successful. Jefferson took heat from his political opponents by sending Lewis an accomplished frontiersmen but not a scientist, but Jefferson correctly wanted someone who had a chance of returning from the journey to report what they found!
The book shows in detail the difficulties of traveling through the Great Plains, encounters with (mostly) helpful Native American tribes and enduring the Rocky Mountains with only a verbal map from Plains Indian chiefs (In fact, Lewis and Clark MADE the first written maps of the area)
Story also includes the interesting role of Sacagawea the native American girl who served as his translator as well as several near death experiences.
The book held my interest from cover to cover.
considerations of who to bring (Clark, Sacagawea and others) and Lewis's scientific education in astronomy and botany from Thomas Jefferson for several months before the trip started. I also learned this was not the only expedition sponsored by Jefferson, but it was by far the most successful. Jefferson took heat from his political opponents by sending Lewis an accomplished frontiersmen but not a scientist, but Jefferson correctly wanted someone who had a chance of returning from the journey to report what they found!
The book shows in detail the difficulties of traveling through the Great Plains, encounters with (mostly) helpful Native American tribes and enduring the Rocky Mountains with only a verbal map from Plains Indian chiefs (In fact, Lewis and Clark MADE the first written maps of the area)
Story also includes the interesting role of Sacagawea the native American girl who served as his translator as well as several near death experiences.
The book held my interest from cover to cover.
Tish O. (tish) -
Helpful Score: 2
Thisis a very powerful book about Meriwether Lewis in his youth,then his meeting or Jefferson, his educational preparation with current day teachers and finally his packing for the voyage west.Even though this book is long it is worth every minute you spend with it.
the amazing lesson i learned was that the more things changes...they stay the same. there were the same fights with Congress over money,there were fights over how much he was spending for all he was bringing.
we take it for granted that we can stop at a local store if we forgot anything onour trips...they did not have that luxury!
the amazing lesson i learned was that the more things changes...they stay the same. there were the same fights with Congress over money,there were fights over how much he was spending for all he was bringing.
we take it for granted that we can stop at a local store if we forgot anything onour trips...they did not have that luxury!
Holly H. (hubbskh) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 32 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A sweeping accounting of one of the most momentous journeys in American history, Ambrose follows the Lewis and Clark expedition from Thomas Jefferson's hope of finding a waterway to the Pacific, through the heart-stopping moments of the actual trip, and beyond. Along the way, Ambrose depicts the American West as Lewis saw it - wild, awesome, and pristinely beautiful. Undaunted Courage is a stunningly told action tale that will delight readers for generations.
Jacob C. (bleaklewis) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on
Helpful Score: 1
A decent overview of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Ambrose provides a detailed narrative of the preparation, journey and aftermath of the adventure. He is clearly much to in love with the subject however spending an inordinate amount of time on the preparation and post journey developments for my liking.
Still the book offers an excellent glimpse into life on the frontier and the exciting adventure undertaken.
Still the book offers an excellent glimpse into life on the frontier and the exciting adventure undertaken.
Janet R. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 27 more book reviews
My husband read this book and said it was the best book he has ever read. The only reason he's parting with it is because he has several copys to pass onto friends (and one to keep for himself).
James B. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 4 more book reviews
This is a great book that anyone interested in American history should read.
Judy C. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 18 more book reviews
If you like American History, you'll enjoy this recorded book. Mixes historical information with adventure and a look into the lives of our forefathers.
Sandy J. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 19 more book reviews
Outstanding book if you like history. It has made it's way around my family and everyone who has read it, from 75 to 45 years old loved it & some read it twice.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 628 more book reviews
Absolutely loved this wonderful historical fiction book about Lewis and Clark expedition. I learned so much, and the writing and adventures were fantastic. Highly recommend.
Mike J. (mikej) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 73 more book reviews
A pretty good read, the author paints the picture of what it would be like to just head off into uncharted territory. They thought they might find Mastodons! Very clear account of how a 18th century slave-holding Virgina gentleman views the world around him. Tells the story you don't know about Lewis' life after the exploration. Some of the verbiage is direct from their journals and can be tedious.
Brandon P. (mbrock42) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 4 more book reviews
Book was good, like alot of Ambrose's books if you liked his other books you'll like this one. I'm a fan so I maybe bias.
Carol F. (cactusflowerwomen) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 628 more book reviews
Definitely read this book if you are a history buff. This book gives an indepth account of Merriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson, and Clark of the Lewis and Clark expedition. I did not know that Lewis was a botanist and discovered, identified and wrote copious information on plantlife unknown heretofore, and about animals never seen in the east. It really explained the significance
of their expedition. You also learn a lot about the fur trade, and many of the Indian nations. It was a bit dry for me. I prefer historical novels with more action, i.e. "Long Knife" by James Alexander Thom. All of Thom's books are great and also teach you a lot about American history.
of their expedition. You also learn a lot about the fur trade, and many of the Indian nations. It was a bit dry for me. I prefer historical novels with more action, i.e. "Long Knife" by James Alexander Thom. All of Thom's books are great and also teach you a lot about American history.
Donna W. (shooter38) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 63 more book reviews
I liked this book and very much enjoy reading about this time period. I do recommend it to those who enjoy history.
Keith N. (firedogaz) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on
loved this book. full of the trials and triumphs of Lewis.
Jeremy A. (jsakins) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 7 more book reviews
This was a good book, typical Stephen Ambrose. I learned quite a bit that I didn't know about the expedition and politics of that day. It seemed to bog down in some places, but I suppose that is expected in a history book. I highly recommend this book.
Jay H. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 7 more book reviews
Very good book about their journey. Easy read.
Anne S. reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 19 more book reviews
This is great book that chronicles the story of Lewis and Clark. If you are a history buff like me, you will love it.
Lani H. (tintin) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 19 more book reviews
Ambrose relates many interesting facets of the epic expedition. He is most taken with Lewis, so we don't get as much information about Clark. Ambrose makes some comparisons with modern views on slavery, women, native Americans, and American expansion. Some of these are unexpected, and the anecdotes are choice. I appreciated the maps and the chronicle approach.
Jim O. (-Nobody-) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 40 more book reviews
Very well done and interesting book.
Joe K. (fozzie78) - , reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 277 more book reviews
The difinative history of the Lewis & Clark corps of discovery. A must read for any student of American history.
Butch B. (mb450) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 56 more book reviews
If you are a history buff then this is a book you should not miss. Makes you better realize just how important this event in our history was.Ambrose's books are all great reads ,this one is no exception.
Anne H. (QuiltsRme) reviewed Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West on + 46 more book reviews
So interesting. It's like taking the journey yourself.
John O. (buzzby) -
You'll need a good map to follow where they went. They are too general in the book, but he does a good job of describing the landscape.
John O. (buzzby) -
He's very good at describing the country they go through. I read the part I know about (Great Falls to Lemhi Pass), and you could really follow the landmarks without the maps.
