Customer Reviews

The Way to the Western Sea: Lewis and Clark across the Continent

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David Lavender just may have written the definitive history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. It is a wonderfully wrought narrative, capturing the full width and breadth of this incredible journey. Lavender's sardonic tongue deflates many of the myths surrounding the "voyage of discovery," noting that for the most part this was a well-trodden path. The only actual "discovery" was that of linking the Missouri to the Columbia. However, this makes it no less an adventure.

He downplays the significance of Sacagewea. For the most part she was little used on this voyage. Her one major contribution was helping to secure horses for the great fording of the Bitteroot Mountains. Still, Lavender lavishes much attention on her and her son, which it seems that William Clark did as well. Her presence seemed to secure safe passage during their final leg down the Columbia River, as it made the expedition team seem less war-like.

Lavender also provides the background for the voyage, detailing President Jefferson's dream to establish an American Northwest Passage, linking one ocean to another. Lavender probes the seemingly paternal relationship between Jefferson and Lewis, and how Jefferson was able to win Congress over to a third attempt to cross the continent, despite questions regarding Lewis' qualifications. Jefferson personally trained Lewis for the expedition and provided added tutelage in the form of the leading lights of American science. Like a devoted son, Lewis made every effort to carry out the mission, which Jefferson sponsored, even when it seemed foolhardy to do so.

For those who haven't travelled this route before, you will be in good hands with David Lavender. For those who have, I think you will marvel at how masterful a job Lavender does in recording the events, giving the best rounded version of the "voyage of discovery" that I have read.

This well written book by Lavender compliments the US History class I teach for 8th grade. The book brings the culture of the Jeffersonian era to light as well as reflecting the interaction of cultures between the settlers and the native americans. Very glad I have added this book to my library.

Lavender has presented the story of Lewis & Clark in a format that makes reading history exciting. As a teacher of American History, this book is on my suggested reading list and the one most often discussed in class.

For students of the American West or Lewis & Clark, this as a "must read".

this is one of the best Lewis and Clark books, well researche and very easy to read. The objectivity of the author makes the book come forward to the present day and lets the reader see the total effect of the Lewis and Clark discoveries. A must read for any student of western history