Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Undaunted Courage
Written by Stephen Ambrose, is a 1996 biography of Meriwether Lewis and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The book is based on journals written by Lewis and Clark, along with others in the expedition, and also offers additional insight into the travelers and their thoughts. The book outlines the expedition in great detail, from encounters with Native Americans, trading, wildlife, what the explorers ate, and the route the expedition took. The text is supplemented by maps, and illustrations drawn by Lewis himself. Brief biographies of the major members of the expedition (Lewis, Clark, Sacagawea, etc.) are also offered.
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11 comments:
Another LONG book from a person who probably won't read it.....sigh.
I know he's read it before but I think people should have to read the books they recommend in the month they are having everyone else read them. It seems when that happens the books are a little easier to get through in a month.
So I challenge Craig to reread the book this month....crap...I just realized that he has a flight to the Orient this month. He probably will do it.
Open mouth, insert foot.
If you feel overwhelmed by the book, I think Disney made a movie cartoon! Tho not quite the same accuracy according to Rob. Yes the Oregon Trail is another History favorite of his. Anyway, if I don't get the book read, do I get points for several visits to Fort Clatsop?
ok people how do i get a pretty fancy picture?.
Yes, big book but the first chapter kept me turning pages. love to all
I'm just whining to hear myself whine...its not so bad.
Go to your profile and go to edit profile
I am not that far into the book, but I just have to say that I love Lewis' Mother. She's got spunk as is demonstrated in the following paragraph:
"The woman who inspired such concern and love was also capable of leading and expedition of her own into the wilderness, of running a plantation, of supervising at hog-killing time. When some drunken British officers burst into Locust HIll one evening, she grabbed her rifle down from its peg and drove them off. Another time, a hunting party from Locust Hill and neighboring plantations got separated from the dogs. The hounds brought a buck to bay on a the lawn at Locust Hill. Lucy grabbed her rifle, rushed out, and shot it. When the crestfallen hunters returned empty-handed, the buck's hindquarters were already roasting over the fire."
I think it is interesting how often great people who make great contributions to society often attribute their characters and strengths to their upbringing. To me it shows the importance of family.
Wow this guy is into the details. This is the kind of book I am grateful I did not have to read in school. I find my self slowly stressing out as I read fearing I will be asked to recall the list of supplies he purchased at Harpers ferry and then I remember I am reading this for a book club, not a history class and the risk of a pop quiz is slight to none. Yes I begin to breath easier, but then i ask myself why I would care about the exact kinds and pounds of soup he purchased. I respect the knowledge of the author though. How is everyone else doing? jm
P.S. Thanks for the photo tip. love you
ok I am really slow this month. but I knocked out alot of reading this morning. Its facinating reading the book of mormon with the family and then reading of all the Indian encounters. This tribe was war thirsty doing scalp dances and threatening Lewis and Clark for whiskey and the next tribe is agricultural and peaceful and shames Lewis and Clark for even offering whiskey. jm
I think it takes undaunted courage to read "Undaunted Courage". I will finish it in the next two days. It has been interesting despite the fact that it's not a very easy read. I do like the guy and his counterparts. I can't imagine roughing it like they did. I would have had a nervous breakdown at the first sign of Indians, rapids, buffalo tongue, or having to ready animal specimens. They were pretty talented all right. Even had their healing herbs down to a science. Also that Sacajawea should get a lot more credit!
It's fun to be reading with all of you. I didn't realize there was a cartoon version, Sonya. I would have been tempted.
Happy October!
Madelyn
Okay, so I thought I'd be more active in the club and actually attempted to read the book. I think Mom is right about the courage thing. I was a wimp and bailed after about 100 pages. What I did read was pretty interesting about Thomas Jefferson and all of the prep involved for the trip. Anyway... there's always next month.
i did it, i did it. i finished the book which ironically ends with Lewis' death Oct 11 (the very day I finished). Its sad to think he suffered from so many things that today are so treatable/preventable such as syphilis, malaria or depression. Some believe though that he was murdered and I understand there are even books about those theories. I was a hard read to finish in one month but overall I feel smarter for having read it. Thank you for the pick. love to all
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