Undaunted Courage

By: Stephen E. Ambrose

Narrated by: Barrett Whitener

Length: 21 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson selected his personal secretary, Captain Meriwether Lewis, to lead a voyage up the Missouri River, across the forbidding Rockies, and - by way of the Snake and Columbia rivers - down to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis and his partner, Captain William Clark, endured incredible hardships and witnessed astounding sights. With great perseverance, they worked their way into an unexplored West. When they returned two years later, they had long since been given up for dead.

Undaunted Courage is supported by a variety of colorful characters: Jefferson and his vision of the West; Clark, the artist and mapmaker; and Lewis, the enigma, who led brilliantly but considered the mission a failure. After suffering several periods of depression - and despite his status as national hero - Lewis died mysteriously, apparently by his own hand.

©1996 Ambrose-Tubbs Inc. (P)1996 Books on Tape Inc., All Rights Reserved

Critic reviews

"... a swiftly moving, full-dress treatment of the expedition." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Ambrose's epic, a combination of rhapsody and reality, feels like a final glimpse at a pristine Eden before the crowd of trappers and settlers altered it forever." ( Booklist)

better than boobs.

I am a straight male who enjoys this literature better than the female breast aka "boob"

Outstanding in every aspect!

It's a very compelling story and one that every American should be proud of. The narration is exceptional.

Fantastic history

This is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever listened to. It's primarily a biography of Meriwether Lewis, who is a fascinating and complex character. It also gives a fairly rich sense of the political atmosphere surrounding the journey, and its historical importance. Ambrose is a highly qualified historian, so even his tangents and conjectures are fascinating.

A good book. Recommended.

The book is well written, researched, and presented. It captures the imagination providing a documented view of a tremendous accomplishment in our nations history. I've read the book and enjoyed it more than the audio version perhaps because of the narration.

A thorough and Interesting book

I understand now why Louis and Clark have become legends of American history. I thought it was inspiring to learn how brave, resourceful and knowledgeable Lewis was, especially at such a young age. I'm sure others will undoubtedly use modern judgement to focus on his faults. Conversely, I was fascinated by his intellect, his leadership, his skills and his accomplishments, that pushed him decades ahead of his peers.

Excellent!

Ambrose's research in writing was superb. The narrator did a great job as well. This really does tell the complete story of Lewis and Clark.

Fascinating story

Very detailed and maybe a bit too long, but a must read for any American history enthusiast! Overall, a very good read.

Interesting story, full of detail

The narration was easy to understand and follow, in an easy-to-listen-to voice. The book,itself, is full of detail and places you next to Lewis in his journey across the West. The reader sees the Indians and the burgeoning towns along the Mississippi as Lewis viewed them. I would recommend this audiobook to any fan of history, particularly those interested in exploration, Indian-American relations, American history, even military history.

Great story!

Excellent story of perhaps the most amazing adventure in American history. A beautiful depiction of the sights and experiences of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

If you plan to go into the wilderness, read this book

This book reminds me of Moby Dick. Just to consider all that was needed to engage in such an endeavor. There seems to be a balance between success at an early age and wisdom. Tragic ending.
This is good American history.