Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose Jr. (1997, Paperback, Reprint)

I normally do not like history related stuff - all that info about dates, places, people and events - but this author, Stephen Ambrose, writes about the Lewis & Clark Expedition in such a way that you feel like you are there riding the river and slapping at the "turrible musketurs" along with the Captains Lewis & Clark and their party of boatmen and woodsman soldiers. This was a trip into the unknown - a land filled with mystery and suspense. Everyday brought new experiences, difficulties and closer to their goal. But they had several missions to accomplish, and as readers, we get to accompany them on each leg of the journey. Would we have made the same decisions? We ponder the thoughts and wonder at their endurance and strength and undaunted courage. Oh sure, occassionally there are some "b-o-r-i-n-g places - but hey, even high adventure has to have it's down times too.

Having read basic journal excerpts in other volumes, which are very difficult to read and comprehend, Ambrose offers journal text in ways that puncuate the creative descriptions in unobtrusive ways. Let's face it, there are only so many ways you can say "went up river 12 miles today", but it's the interactions with the Indians, discoveries of "new" species of animals, and cliff-falling accidents that keep readers involved. These characters come to life on the pages as they face obstacles of sandbars, waterfalls, skin boils, thorn pierced feet and flea infested beds but still celebrate milestones with Pierre Cruzatte's playing of the fiddle, a belly full of elk, buffalo, colt or dog supplemented with roots dug by Sacagawea, a dram of whiskey and a twist of tobacco.

I have enjoyed this book so much that I have just purchased another of Ambrose's historical books and will take another stab at learning for life.

Excellently presented reading about one of the most famous explorations ever! Steven Ambrose did a phenomenal job of putting the many facets of the main characters in this odessey, as well as organizing the time line to allow you to travel in time along with Lewis and Clark! He also presented them as human beings - an unbaised look at their strenghts and weaknesses, plus an engaging look into the planning for the expedition by Thomas Jefferson. All in all, a must-read book for any student of American History - how we got where we are, how we could have been better, and what the expedition was all about!

A must read for anyone wanting a wonderful journey with Lewis and Clark to explore the Louisiana Territory. You feel like you are right there meeting the Indians, the animals of the plains and the want for food which was always a difficulty on the journey. Most of all the explanations of Jefferson as Lewis's mentor and then the downfall of Lewis at the conclusion of the book as he ends his life when it seemed that he had everything going for him.
I bought the book because I want to use it as a reference and reread the wonderful sections and discuss events with my Pacific Northwest History classes. You too will enjoy this wonderful read! Ambrose makes the Journals of Lewis and Clark come alive with his wonderful story telling talent in his Undaunted Courage.

Stephen Ambrose had a lifelong fascination with the Corps of Discovery, going so far as to follow the route on numerous occasions. It shows in this wonderful, enthralling, exciting adventure novel that just happens to be true. If you have to read one book on American history, this would be a great choice.

Excellent presentation and re-creation of this pivotal event in our history.
Excellent background of this time in our history along with interpretation of what
was written in the original Lewis & Clark Journals.

thank you Stephen Ambrose!!

I was very pleased to purchase this item. I received quick shipment and very good packaging. Would like to do business with again. Very Professional!

This book is filled with history and informative facts. Little do we realize what transpired on this expedition and what was given to us concerning an uncharted America.

Stephen Ambrose is an excellent author.

There is a lot to learn about early life in Undaunted Courage and if you are a history buff this is a book for you.

Undaunted Courage s a great book for anyone interested in early American history. I have read it twice and loved it both times. I borrowed my copy out and it never made its way back so I had to replace it. Ambrose does a great job painting a vivid picture of what was going on at any given point in the book. I highly regard tis book as one of my all time favorites, but then again I am bias in thinking that Ambrose is the greatest American historian of the century. If you consider yourself a history buff, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

A must read for anyone even slightly interested in american history. I bought the book because of a personal interest and student of Sacajawea. Next to the formation of the USA, westward expansion was our next big adventure and this book details the challenges that early american explorers faced as we prepared to expand west. Jerry Washbon Salmon, Idaho

Did not receive book and could not contact seller. Information to find seller was difficult and could not find a way to call to get situation resolved. Still have not received book after almost four months.