Undaunted Courage by Stephen E. Ambrose is a compelling and richly detailed account of the Lewis and Clark expedition, focusing particularly on the life and character of Meriwether Lewis. Ambrose combines thorough historical research with vivid storytelling to bring the early 19th-century journey across the American West to life. The book delves into the political context, personal relationships, and immense physical challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery, offering insight into Lewis’s intellect, leadership, and eventual tragic decline. Though occasionally criticized for romanticizing its subject, Undaunted Courage remains a gripping narrative that captures the spirit of exploration and the complexities of American expansion.