Lewis and Clark on the Trail of Discovery: An Interactive History with Removable Artifacts (Lewis & Clark Expedition)

By Rod Gragg

Book Overview

Few events in American history have shaped the nation like the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It opened the American West for settlement. It redrew the map of the United States. It identified an array of native peoples, spectacular places, fascinating creatures, and extraordinary flora unknown in "civilized" America. It defined the American nation as a land stretching from coast to coast-and it launched the spread of population in a mighty frontier migration unlike anything ever witnessed in America before or since. Lewis and Clark on the Trail of Discovery contains 19 chapters, detailing the expedition chronologically. A "museum in a book," this fascinating volume contains re-creations of original documents such as diary entries, letters, maps, and sketches-all meticulously reproduced so that the reader can actually handle and examine them. Among the documents included in the book are: The actual letter of credit Jefferson wrote to Lewis committing the U.S. government to pay for the expedition. The code Thomas Jefferson provided to Lewis for sending secret messages. Clark's sketch of the technique some Indians used to flatten their heads, a sign of prestige. Clark's letter of gratitude to Sacagawea, a Shoshone teenager who helped the expedition. A newspaper account of the expedition's return to St. Louis.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1401600751
• ISBN13: 9781401600754
• Release Date: January 2003
• Publisher: Rutledge Hill Pr
• Length: 48 Pages
• Weight: 2.03 lbs.
• Dimensions: 12.3" x 0.8" x 10.8"

Customer Reviews

Perfect for All Ages...

I purchased this book for my daughter after we visited Fort Clatsop, Oregon where The Lewis and Clark Expedition settled for the winter. My daughter is ten years old and absolutely loves the interative features of the book, such as the replicas of the maps and journal entries from the expedition. The book was such a hit for my daughter's birthday that my parent's ordered the book and a little girl at the party ordered one also. The replica maps and writings are a little hard to read as the writing 100 years ago has evolved to what we have now. But helping your child interpret these readings makes this book a true family book.

A Book that is like a museum!

This is a very fun book to read. It has many pockets that contain maps, receipts, and letters that look and feel like the real artifacts. One gets the feeling of history looking through these things. It is appropriate for young people, and adults. It is not a book to read though for the "details" however. I highly recommend this book to school libraries or young people with an interest in Lewis and Clark history. For details of the expedition look at Undaunted Courage, and/or Moulton's book.

Hard to believe--Only 200 years ago!

Keeping history in perspective is important.What is 200 years?I am creeping on to 70 and my father was born in 1891.So,it was only 85 years before my father was born that Lewis and Clark completed their journey.Another way to look at it is that Clark died in 1866 only 25 years before my father's birth.Not really all that long ago,when you think of all that has happened in that short time. This is a very unique book,only 48 pages;but a real excellent effort.Scattered throughout the book are over a dozen packets containing authentic looking reproductions of maps,letters and other documents that were prepared along the trip.It's almost like handling museum documents.Also included are many excellent paintings of scenes along the journey as well as sketches,maps and photographs of important items used.The paper,printing and overall construction of the book is superior in every way.At the back of the book there is a wealth of source material covering,acknowledgements,credits,notes and transcriptions. All in all,a first class book on the Lewis and Clark Journey that shaped America.

Fantastic Teaching Tool!

This is a wonderful source of material and has been most beneficial as a teaching tool for my middle school students as we study the Lewis and Clark journey to explore the Louisiana Purchase.The pull outs are excellent and help students to really connect with Lewis and Clark as "real" people.A wonderful addition to any educator's collection!

Unique, innovative, and fun to read!

This book makes the journey of L & C come alive! If you are wanting all the nitty-gritty details, then you still want to read Undaunted Courage, but this book covers everything nicely and has the added dimension of pockets, maps, etc to explore. Each time I read through the book I find something new to open or pull out, etc. It is a great resource for teachers and other educators. It will really engage students of all ages! With younger kids, you'd have to make sure all the extras got put back into their place, but that would be the only caution I'd have. Excellent, excellent book!!