The Lewis and Clark Journals

An American Epic of Discovery

By: Lewis, Clark

Narrated by: Patrick Cullen

Length: 18 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

In their own words, recorded in the famous journals of Lewis and Clark, the members of the Corps of Discovery tell their story with an immediacy and power missing from secondhand accounts. All of their triumphs and terrors are here: the thrill of seeing the vast herds of bison, the fear the captains felt when Sacagawea fell ill, the ordeal of crossing the Continental Divide, the misery of cold and hunger, and the kidnapping and rescue of Lewis' dog, Seaman. The natural wonders of an unspoiled America are here, and the lives and customs of its native peoples also come vividly to life, making for a living drama that is humorous, poignant, and, at least once, tragic.

Editor Gary E. Moulton blends the narrative highlights of his definitive Nebraska edition of the Lewis and Clark journals to bring forth the voices of the enlisted men - and of the Native Americans, heard for the first time alongside the words of the captains.

©2003 Board of Regents of the University of Nebraska (P)2004 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"If you're going to listen to just one book...you should hear the story from the explorers themselves." (Newsweek)
"A triumph of scholarly publishing....Belongs on most readers' shelves - and should accompany any road trip through the West." (Atlantic Monthly)
"What makes this single volume of journal selections more powerful than its contemporaries is the use of other corps members' diaries to provide further details about the journey." (Library Journal)

Enlightening

The actual day to day observations revealed here lead to a very different reality than what we were taught as children. It relieves a certain unjustified guilt we have been made to carry by distorted reports about early American history.

At least now I can comment on the Expedition.

Though this book was not loaded with tons of "facts" about the expedition, I'm not sure it was supposed to. It was more a case of someone reading a diary, of sorts, and then filling in the blank spaces so we (the "reader") would have some idea of its context. It could be tiresome. However, now I know something of the expedition and am doubly amazed that anyone made it out alive. If you're on the fence about the Providence of God, this ought to fix ya.'

Worthwhile.

This audio book is abridged. Don't buy it

The description says it's not abridged. Whereas it is. Very very dissapointing. I might have to quit Audible because they make it difficult to cancel books I quickly find dissapointing. Do not buy this book

Not what I was expecting

This book is an actual reading of the journals kept by those in the Lewis and Clark expedition. The journals are read chronologically so you end up with entries by several people on the same day. I was looking for a retelling of their "adventures" and not a word for word reading of the journals.

This book is chock full of information, but it read without much emotion, so it comes across rather boring and monotonous.

I discovered the core of discovery.

If you could sum up The Lewis and Clark Journals in three words, what would they be?

Interesting, intense, informative.

Who was your favorite character and why?

It was interesting to see the different writing styles between Capt. Lewis and Capt. Clark I enjoy Capt. Lewis's journal entries most.

Have you listened to any of Patrick Cullen’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This was the first time I've ever listen anything by Patrick. I thought he did a great job and would listen to his stuff again.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Lewis and Clark the expedition that made America.

Letters from a Friend

The day to day writings of Louis and Clark, plus other expedition members, keeps me listening without losing interest. Listening to it was like receiving letters from a friend tell about their adventures. The editor inserts material to explain locations or vocabulary out of use. I enjoyed the detailed descriptions of wildlife, Indian cultures, and geographic observations. The narrator changes his voice to articulate different characters. Excellent!

great book

recommend listening to undaunted courage and then this one if you don't want to sit through all 12 journals they're narrating the writer did fantastic in bringing the importance of all 12 journals in one story and then and really enjoy The narrator's Voice perfect for the time and era of the story

The Brave

This is why we salute our National Anthem...these men truly embody "home of the brave."

Real History

Somewhat slow as the majority (though not all) is the actual journal entries of Lewis and Clark. But very interesting and insightful on the time, people's, and places. Well narrated.

Great book, very informative. Did not disappoint.

I have had an interest in the Louis and Clark journals for a long time. This version did not disappoint me.