From Sea to Shining Sea [Paperback]

JAMES ALEXANDER Thom (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 12, 1984

"Splendid...Thom tells the story with humor and eloquence, and a thumping good tale it is, too."
THE WASHINGTON POST
In one generation, the Clark family of Virginia fought for our nation's independence, and explored, conquered, and settled the continent from sea to shining sea. This powerfully written book recreates the warm life of the family, the dangers of the battlefield, the grueling journeys across an untamed wilderness, and the soul-stirring Lewis and Clark Expedition. This mighty epic is a fitting tribute to the wisdom and courage of Ann Rogers Clark, her husband John, and the ten sons and daughters they nurtured and inspired.


From the Paperback edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

"Splendid...Thom tells the story with humor and eloquence, and a thumping good tale it is, too."
THE WASHINGTON POST
In one generation, the Clark family of Virginia fought for our nation's independence, and explored, conquered, and settled the continent from sea to shining sea. This powerfully written book recreates the warm life of the family, the dangers of the battlefield, the grueling journeys across an untamed wilderness, and the soul-stirring Lewis and Clark Expedition. This mighty epic is a fitting tribute to the wisdom and courage of Ann Rogers Clark, her husband John, and the ten sons and daughters they nurtured and inspired.


From the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 931 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; First edition (June 12, 1984)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345284798
• ISBN-13: 978-0345284792
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,803,012 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

James Alexander Thom is the author of Follow the River, Long Knife, From Sea to Shining Sea, Panther in the Sky (for which he won the prestigious Western Writers of America Spur Award for best historical novel), Sign-Talker, The Children of First Man, and The Red Heart.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Revolutionary era history from the Frontier, October 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: From Sea to Shining Sea (Mass Market Paperback)

This is the best novel of Revolutionary American history I have ever read. The story of the Clark family is incredible, especially that of two particular sons, George and William. Perhaps the main theme of this book is leadership. George Rogers Clark was a phenomenal leader. He almost single-handedly won the western frontier during the Revolution. In the end, he was ruined rather than rewarded, for his efforts. As his inner fire dies, it is momentarily rekindled by his young brother, who departs to co-lead the greatest adventure in American History. Thom's depiction of George's brutal marches on Kaskaskia and Vincennes, and the Journey of the Corps of Discovery, is a masterwork.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This book should come with a warning......., March 4, 2004

By 

Ron Spradlin (Fort Wayne, IN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Sea to Shining Sea (Mass Market Paperback)

"Highly addictive, you may not be able to put this book down and lose a lot of sleep. You may neglect family, friends, or even your job." I've never read such spellbinding literature in my life. One read of this book and you will be "Hooked on Thom" for life. He is definitely one of our greatest authors. I had little knowledge outside of what little we were told in school about Lewis & Clark. WOW! What an eye-opener. I recommend this to anyone, but be advised you WILL get lost in the story.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Epic Tale of the Clark family, November 19, 2004

By 

J. Head "jeff_head" (Idaho, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Sea to Shining Sea (Mass Market Paperback)

Thom is simply one of the best historical writers around.

This book, about George Rogers Clark during the Revolutionary War and his winning of the Northwest Territory, and the Lewis and Clark expedition is one of the best writtn, best researched, and most compelling reads you will find. I love fiction...but history on this scale is better than the most compelling fiction you will find. Suspence, action, intrigue and an absolute testament to the human spirit...and in particular the American spirit, you'll find it all within these pages.

Any person interested in American history, particularly the Revolutionary War and the period immediately thereafter, should read this novel. I heartely recommend Thom's other historical works as well.