Review: Undaunted Courage

Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose is a treasure of American gold, deserving a prominent place in the hearts and minds of those who love freedom, American ideals, and the vision of an untamed wilderness yet to be explored.

Ambrose captures the spirit of America in a way few authors can boast, guiding his readers along the trail with Lewis and Clark during their historic and action-packed adventure.  From the dreams of Thomas Jefferson and the quest to find a water route to the Pacific, to the personal struggles and heroism of the band of adventurers, from uncharted wilderness hazards to peace-pipe smoking Indian encounters - the book is history-telling at its finest; an indistinugishable line between solid historical education and pure reading pleasure is delightfully drawn.

The wilderness journey of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their "Corps of Discovery" is not just a tale of wild rivers, breathtaking mountains, and pristine praires the men could only describe as Edenic;

 it is not just a retelling of perils and dangers, new enemies and new friends, ambitions, hopes and personal dreams; the story is part of America herself - it is a vision of the future that has defined our land for generations.

The West.  The unknown.  Facing risks.  Believing in a dream.  Never giving up.  Leaning on the strength of personal character, hard work, and creativity.  The very values that made our country great - indeed, the same values that will make us great for as long as the nation endures - are those embodied by a small band of brave, somewhat average, somewhat extradorinary men.  The story of Lewis & Clark will cultivate in you a thirst for America as it was, and as it should be.    

Personal Recommendation: I first journeyed with Lewis and Clark via unabridged audiobook.  It brought my mundane commute alive, and my dormant passion for outdoor adventure with it.

Get your own print copy of Undaunted Courage by Stephen Ambrose.  (Or click here for audiobook)

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Learn more about Lewis & Clark's expedition at this website.

Comments

[Liz]

Great review, great book!
Mr. Ambrose was presented with one of our maps shortly before he unfortunately passed, but it was an honor to have him enjoy it for the time he had to do so.
Our business was founded on those principles you allude to, and fittingly with the Lewis & Clark bicentennial, our "States" map...come see if you have a minute.
Thanks again, enjoyed your review!