Meriwether: A Novel of Meriwether Lewis and the Lewis & Clark Expedition

By David Nevin

Book Overview

Meriwether is a young man of genius, power, drive, and single-minded determination to make one of the greatest marches in the world history--to chart the two thousand uncharted miles from the Mississippi to the Missouri to the mysterious Stoney Mountains, then down Colombia to the Pacific. But President Thomas Jefferson has other plans for the young Meriwether Lewis. It is 1800, and Jefferson calls upon Lewis to be his secretary, ignoring Lewis' request for expedition. The job, though a necessary duty, frustrates Lewis, whose mind is transfixed on his destiny to cross the continent. Freed at last, Lewis calls upon his friend, William Clark to set out on a cross continental trek that will give them towering stature among explorers and assure that the young nation will have its shores washed by opposite oceans. It is a dangerous expedition, as the unexplored territories are filled with huge grizzlies and wild waters, hostile Indians and they will lose their way. They will also be blessed by Sacagawa, the Indian woman whose skill and insight will guide them and in many cases save them. Until they reach the Oregon Country, where the breakers roll unbroken from China.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812571851
• ISBN13: 9780812571851
• Release Date: April 2005
• Publisher: Forge
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 0.51 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

a wonderful story

I have always been interested in the Lewis and Clark trek across the then undiscovered lands of the Louisana Pruchase. I can imagine what beauitful and wonderous sights the Corps of Discovery beheld . This book brings to life that journey with not only the wonders of the new land, but also carefully draws a picture of Meriwether Lewis,who loved to be as close to nature and her wonders but on the other hand had difficulty in understanding and living with his fellow humans beings. Mr. Nevin carefully and skillfully draws a picture of a man who (perhaps like most of us) struggle on a daily basis to live with other people and somehow keep our integrey and self-image intact. I do not usually cry at the end of a book. I just say to myself "it is just a story". But I did cry, for I recognized Lewis's struggle as my own-the search to find my rightful place in the world. In a sense Lewis's journey was not only the physcial one, but an internal journey of discovery. I do not how Mr. Nevin accomplished this but he did. I hope that you enjoy the book as much as I did.

Fascinating character study

After struggling to finish Eagle's Cry and giving up on Treason I was pleasantly surprised to pick up Nevin's latest and find it fascinating. This is an excellent read for those who like historical novels that are not dull and boring. Nevin does well in getting into the psyche of Lewis, and helps to paint a picture of why someone who accomplished so much could self destruct. I have read Ambrose's Undaunted Courage and found it interesting, but dry in places. Nevin does a much better job of entertaining the reader.