Synopses & Reviews
When Meriwether Lewis and William Clark embarked on their landmark journey of discovery in 1804, President Thomas Jefferson directed them to notice the soil and face of the country, its growth and vegetable productions.” The explorers collected and preserved nearly two hundred seeds and specimens, from small prairie flowers to towering evergreen trees, many of them previously unknown to science. From the Indians they encountered, they learned which plants were ediblethus avoiding starvationand which could be used as building materials for their canoes and shelters. Looking to find a water route across North America, map the uncharted territory, and discuss peaceful trade with the Indians, Lewis and Clark became central figures in the countrys westward expansion and major contributors to its scientific scholarship.
In this welcome companion to Animals on the Trail with Lewis and Clark, Dorothy Hinshaw Patent traces the celebrated journey, examines the rich array of plant life the men sighted, and tells what became of the specimens over the ensuing two centuries. Adorned with William Munozs beautiful photographs of a variety of colorful plants, this visual feast is sure to captivate nature lovers and historians alike. Route map, suggestions for further reading, chronology of plants collected, index.
Review
"Good-quality, full-color photos...author's knowledge...keen interest...very evident...fascinating account...bring(s) to life an amazing episode in American history." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Review
"Excellent...Of the manybooks recently published on the...expedition, this is one of the most...focused...interesting, and... beautiful." BOOKLIST
Review
"Of the many books recently published on the Lewis and Clark expedition, this is one of the most tightly focused, most interesting, and most beautiful."
Review
"Of the many books recently published on the Lewis and Clark expedition, this is one of the most tightly focused, most interesting, and most beautiful." Booklist, ALA
"Good-quality, full-color photos...author's knowledge...keen interest...very evident...fascinating account...bring(s) to life an amazing episode in American history." SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL School Library Journal
"Excellent...Of the many books recently published on the...expedition, this is one of the most...focused...interesting, and... beautiful." BOOKLIST Booklist, ALA
Synopsis
Includes bibliographical references (p. 88-90) and index.
About the Author
William Muñoz has an avid interest in ecology and the environment and has taken the photographs for a number of books written by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent. Mr. Muñoz lives in Hamilton, Montana.Dorothy Hinshaw Patent was born in Minnesota and grew up in Marin County, California. She received a BA in biological sciences from Stanford University of California at Berkeley. Dr. Patent holds a Ph.D. in zoology and is the author of more than 100 books for children and young adults, many of which have been selected as Outstanding Science Trade Books for children. In 1987, she received the Eva L. Gordon Award from the American Nature Study Society in recognition of her outstanding contribution to science literature for young readers. She has collaborated on several award-winning books with photographer William Muñoz. Dr. Patent lives in Missoula, Montana, with her husband.
Table of Contents
Jefferson, Lewis, and plants -- The importance of trees -- Plants as food -- Wildflowers and their uses -- The fate of Lewis's specimens.