Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery [Hardcover]

Sam Abell (Photographer), Stephen E. Ambrose (Introduction)

Book Description

Series: Lewis & Clark Expedition | Publication Date: March 1, 2002

Join best-selling author and historian Stephen Ambrose as he and his family journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark. Eight chapters weave Ambrose's rich narrative with choice entries from the explorers' journals, with the author's own story of how his family discovered the Trail today, changed by time but timeless in its inspiration. NG photographer Sam Abell's compelling modern images from Missouri to the Pacific Coast offset historic photos, art, and maps, some sketched by Lewis and Clark themselves. In coordination with the Lewis and Clark IMAX film to be released in 2002, the book features a new introduction by Ambrose, which focuses on the making of the film and the importance of commemorating this critical event in American history through the film. His new introduction is accompanied by full-color photographs of the IMAX filming, to give a fresh and intimate view of the voyage today.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: National Geographic; Bct edition (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0792264738
• ISBN-13: 978-0792264736
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 9.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #994,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book, September 7, 2002

By 

Theodore Illenberg (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery (Hardcover)

This book is about the author Stephen Ambrose retracing the Lewis and Clark expidition with his family. The author goes from the present to the past at each point of the journey. He tells of his experiences at that location then he describes the events of Lewis and Clark at that time.

I was impressed by the details that Lewis and Clark made in their journal. The book contains excerps from their journal. Each animal they encounter was drawn and described in accurate details. Many of these animals, such as the bison and the prairie dog, were seen for the first time by white men.

I purchased the delux leather bound edition through National Geographic. The photographs were of typical National Geographic high quality.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ambrose's work incredible, November 30, 2002

By 

Tyler Bridgers (Atlanta, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery (Hardcover)

Ambrose has created a new genre of historical writing; instead of simply retelling the events, he gets down deep into the heart of the matter for a complete understanding. In this book, he compares the original journey of Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery to his own vacations with his family along the Lewis and Clark Trail that offer an interesting modern perspective on one of the most important events in American history. The story is full of amazing facts regarding the surrounding land, weather conditions, wildlife, the people on the expedition, and the people encountered along the way; all intersting details that are never mentioned in any history class.

The voyage is not merely told from an historical standpoint of a chain of events, for it also describes the trip from a human perspective, allowing any reader to feel as though they have become a part of the excusion themselves. Even the most minor players are described at some point or another, and Ambrose provides many details about the every day trials of such a trip, especially through the frequent inclusion of the valuable journal entries from the trip's two commanders, Lewis and Clark themselves. Ambrose goes so far as to proclaims their journals as "America's epic poem."

This story is truly a testament to the unshakable American character, and Ambrose has done much to encourage its revival. I would recommend it to any history buff or any patriotic American. Combined with stunning photographs from National Geographic photographer Sam Abell, this book teaches a history lesson that cannot be beaten.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lewis and Clark: Voyage of Discovery, January 23, 2007

By 

Geraldine Hartman "Jeri Hartman" (Pollock Pines, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Lewis & Clark: Voyage of Discovery (Hardcover)

This was so interesting and beautifully filmed. I learned alot from it. Jeri Hartman