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)

Undaunted Courage

The book is destined to become a classic, no doubt. I am very disappointed, however, that a MAP did not accompany my purchase. When you consider the importance of this tool to the mission, (a fact that Ambrose recognized and strongly emphasized in the text) it remains unbelievable to me that a simple map which traced the L&C path (up the Missouri and across the Rockies to the Pacific) could not have been provided to the reader. It would add untold enjoyment if one could have consulted a somewhat detailed a map of the territory, as it was known then and another of the modern day view, as the journal unfolded.

I cannot believe that this suggestion went unnoticed during publication. I am curious as to whom and why it was shot down.

A Profound Education

Any additional comments?

I grew up in Idaho, very near the sites of some of the Expedition's travels. I learned about Sacajawea who, my teachers told us, was one of only two women in all the history of North American who was to be respected by Americans as a brave hero because she helped the explorers. I also learned that "Lewis-n-Clark" (one word) were great men who made it possible for me to live in an English-speaking Idaho rather than a French or Spanish-speaking land. And I learned that because of Lewis-n-Clark, we westerners can laugh condescendingly at fellow Americans from the East who call their little bumpy hills back there "mountains."

In subsequent years I learned from my historian-father about a few of the differences between the myriad Native Tribes scattered across the West, and how many, many of them should be remembered as heroes, for a variety of valid reasons, not all of which were helpful to early American squatters. He showed me the glorious Camas flower flowing over the high deserts near our home, and explained that if not for Sacajawea's introduction to the edible bulb, many in the Expedition may have starved.

My point here is that patient, truthful exploration of the realities of history is an evolving activity. I am so impressed with the rigor and insight that Steven Ambrose brings to this study. The impeccable validity of his research and documentation is stunning, and his summations and analyses of what might, in a lesser work, come across as merely tiresome details are presented in such a way that I never found my attention wandering or the focus of the narrative to wander.

I highly recommend this book to anyone remotely interested in the birth--and growing-up-years of our nation. To view itfro a across ridge as a long-ago story whos outcome we already know is far different from practically experiencing its adventures first hand, and Undaunted Courage allows us to do just that.

A Must Read/Listen for Lovers of History!

As a lover of American history, I kept hearing about this book but never got around to reading it. When I noticed that it was offered here at Audible and Unabridged - I figured it was about time to check it out. It's an absolutely marvelous book of highly researched and delightfully entertaining history. It is also narrated very well by Barrett Whitener. I was captivated from the very beginning to the very end. And I learned so very much about our country's early, pioneering years. I really enjoyed listening to this book and will probably do so several more times. Another favorite in my ever growing Audible library. Highly recommended.

The Great Land

I feel very lucky for our forefathers thinking so advance at the time, letting Lewis and Clark explore our great lands.

Outstanding, a must read for US History fans

Amazing story of Lewis and Clark, insights into President Jefferson and what they saw crossing the entire country on foot or boat. I didn't realize it was a military mission. Amazing what they found with the Indians. The account has a surprise ending. The book incorporates facts and insights taken from the actual journals of primarily Captain Lewis, and insights from other historians that connect the dots from the times and people surrounding the voyage.

Best account of an epic expedition

At first I thought the readers voice was robotic but then I realized that he changed to that voice when reading a direct quote. I will never travel the western US without thinking of this journey. The history of the book was spot on and gave a great context to the events. A must read if you like adventure exploration and history.

loved this book, it's long but left me wanting mor

it would be a difficult read but audible makes it very easy. worth it entirely.

Loved it!

I'm addicted to historical books. I grew up in Wyoming and Montana so I loved reading about places that I've been. Extremely well organized and enjoyable!

Tremendous Storytelling

Ambrose does a tremendous job of weaving this epic tale into a refined and palatable narrative for the reader.

Awesome

This bookb stands on its own,in the top ten ever and that's understating it .