Description |
424 p., [4] p. of plates : ill., map ; 24 cm. |
Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references (p. 375-401) and index. |
Contents |
Prelude to a great adventure -- Presage of the garden -- Organizing a western journey -- Trouble in the expedition's blood -- A field scientist and the American Philosophical Society -- Return to St. Louis -- Welcome and unwelcome rewards -- The seeds of a masterpiece -- Lewis in love -- The shadow of Aaron Burr -- Taking over as governor -- Reflections in a Cesspool -- Nails in a coffin -- Beginning a fatal slide -- Documents of a decline -- Appointment with destiny -- Last journey -- Devils in the blood -- Echoes of a tragedy -- Meriwether Lewis: observations and reflections. |
Summary |
The authors concentrate on what Lewis was doing immediately before and after the journey through Western territory. They assess his role as a natural scientist and as governor of the Louisiana Territory. Thomas Jefferson thrust the latter role upon Lewis during a time of crisis. As Danisi and Jackson reveal, he would much rather have devoted this time compiling his notes and scientific findings into a vivid narrative of the expedition's adventures. Finally, using medical documentation, the book reveals the actual cause of Lewis's untimely death. --From publisher description |
Subject |
Lewis, Meriwether, 1774-1809.
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Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806)
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West (U.S.) -- Description and travel.
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West (U.S.) -- Discovery and exploration.
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Explorers -- West (U.S.) -- Biography.
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Clark, William, 1770-1838.
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Added Author |
Jackson, John C., 1931-2015.
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ISBN |
9781591027027 (cloth : acid-free paper) |
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1591027020 (cloth : acid-free paper) |
Standard No. |
BWX R7771706 |
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