Sunday, January 06, 2008

Lewis and Clark for libraries; Boy Scout, Girl Scout and 4-H leaders

"Reference books just do not get any better than this one. It should be on every library shelf in every nook and cranny of America, but especially in Nebraska. It should be in the personal library of every Boy Scout, Girl Scout, and 4-H leader. It should interest the many thousands of Lewis and Clark afficionados.  The only lament is that this excellent guide was not published until 2006—we could have used it five years earlier. Still, do not miss it."—-John R. Wunder, professor of history at University of Nebraska. Dr. Wunder gave a rave review to Lewis and Clark Road Trips: Exploring the Trail Across America by author Kira Gale  in the fall 2007 issue of Nebraska History.

Here are some more excerpts from the review: "Many high (and low) quality publications were produced during the Lewis and Clark Expedition commemoration of 2003-2006.  The event kept potential authors and publishers working overtime. In some ways the public is exhausted by this celebration, unlike any previous including the U. S. Bicentennial. Nevertheless, this book—a Lewis and Clark geographical almanac—is an outstanding reference work, truly welcome to the literature. This amazing travel-guide-plus includes 161 outstanding maps with clear driving directions, 573 Lewis and Clark historic campsites, and more than 800 destinations. Divided into ten regions, the guide begins with the homelands of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark east of the Alleghenies and the Ohio Country and concudes at the spot where Lewis breathed his last along the Natchez Trace.  In between, the book provides much information from St. Louis to Astoria."

The author’s response—I also wished this book could have been published in 2003!  But that is why I spent six years writing it from 2001-2006. I saw a need for good maps and tourist itineraries. I also learned a lot of history and geography  by traveling, reading, and searching websites. I have always wanted to understand more about American history in terms of place, and I had the experience of a lifetime in traveling the trail. I am glad to share it with others and this story will continue to grow.  In 2008 we will have forums on the lewisandclarkroadtrips.com website, and others will be able to participate in shaping the story of the trail. (January, 2008)

Posted by Kira Gale on 01/06/2008 at 10:57 AM

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