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)

Awesome! But...

Awesome piece of work! But what in the world were they thinking hiring a robot as narrator?!?

Undainted Courage

I found this book informative about Lewis' life, however I felt robbed by it's abrupt ending. It failed to follow their adventure until it's end, and cover the details of their return and national response. I wish it had cover the journey in it's entirety. Some parts were very detailed- the preparation for the journey and was somewhat slow- but I would read it again, for the majority good parts and details of time of Discovery and exploration of our great country.

Fascinating

This was a fascinating adventure, well written and well told. I enjoyed every minute of it and am glad I opted for the unabridged edition. I still can't believe their accomplishments--they are truly a treasure.

Fascinating, but ultimately quite a downer

This is a great story, but one that raises many regrets with the benefit of historical hindsight. What a land Lewis & Clark explored! But what a tragedy in light of what we know to have happened to the native peoples and to the animal populations. Then of course the book finisishes with Lewis's spiral into suicide. Altogether, the book left me in a very depressed frame of mind.

Very Good Survey of Lewis and Clarke

Ambrose seems to be very concise, enjoyable, and educational. I learned about exactly as much as I wanted to, without the book ever dragging or feeling tedious. This book was a good survey of Lewis and Clarke's trip; not the only book out there or the most detailed, but written for everybody. If you find yourself wanting a bit more detail, try the 4 CD Biddle version of the diaries of Lewis and Clarke. I have been listening to those now and feel they are of some added benefit to flesh out the characters and providing some Native legends and myths.

I felt the narration was adequate. The actor did not distract me or take away from the book, though he also did not wow me or steal the show. Characters have a little individuality though he mostly reads things "straight" or flat or whatever word you prefer. I think that is as things should be. The author is very witty and provides his own tone and flavor. There is a little repetition near the end after the journey where Ambrose makes conclusions, but that is nitpicking. Great read.

Undaunted Courage

I've read the book, I've listended to the audio and I'll do both again and again. I've recommended the book to people who have not read history since college and they all have the same conculsion.

Lewis and Clark expedition

Lewis and Clark is not one of the most important history stories for Texas boys growing up. I vacationed in Montana last summer and I felt like I needed more education on the subject. This book tied all the loose ends together.

Great Story!!!

Better than fiction!!! Great narration. Enjoyable all the way through. Sad for it to end. A must for all history lovers. Not many history writers can beat Stephen Ambrose. Enjoy & learn.

What an Adventure

Great historical story but it is told in the vernacular of its time, so it can become monotonous to listen to and follow.

amazing!!!

definitely a great addition to reading the original journals. starts out slow but build steamfast into an amazing story