Lavender sets the stage with an account of the imperial rivalries between England, Spain, France, and the United States, and their role in Thomas Jefferson's decision to sponsor an expedition that might strengthen the young country's claims to lands it had purchased but never seen. Lavender then takes us through the steps that led to the selection of Meriwether Lewis as the Corps of Discovery's leader with William Clark as coleader. From there the great adventure story unfolds, and we follow Lewis and Clark and their company on their journey through vast, uncharted territory as they seek a transcontinental route to the Pacific.

74.05 travelling, Clark, William, 1770-1838, Expedities, Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806), Lewis, Meriwether, 1774-1809, Lewis-and-Clark-Expedition

Beginner's luck Preparing for the future Grappling with logistics Trial run Facing reality Smoky water Emphasis on Indians Into winter The grand plan Forty below and far to go Hazards by water The great portage The great divide Hunger Wild water The farthest reach Against the flow Peace mission to the Blackfeet Hurrying home Endings Jefferson's instruction to Lewis The permanent party Much ado about little The case of the Lydia