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Undaunted Courage is a superb work that describes the Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery. The book's main focus is on Lewis, whose early life is described in great detail. Lewis, under orders from President Jefferson, organized and launched the expedition into the Louisiana Purchase. He personally selected many of the men, the equipment and supplies, and the background of a pretty much unknown region of the continent. He chose Clark as co-captain, and they both led the party up the Missouri and across the continent. Lewis describes many new plant and life species in the new country they are traveling through. He also provides invaluable descriptions of Indians of the northern plains, the Rocky Mountains, and the Columbia River region. Both captains were able leaders, and they were able to avoid bloodshed in all but one instance. This seems incredible, because when Lewis and Clark were conversing with Indians, they often had to have the conversation be translated between four or five people. They also avoided being annihilated by Indians (especially by the Nez Perce and the Shoshone) on several occasions when it would have been to the tribes advantage to do so, because the tribes would have gained a huge arsenal, which would have given them immense power.

This book is hard to describe in 300 words. It covers many topics, although most relate to Lewis in one way or another. However, it must be noticed that the time the Corps of Discovery spent on the plains seems to be their most enjoyable. They were able to eat their fill of buffalo and other animals on the plains. From their account, the buffalo were the most important part of the plains. They provided ample food, invaluable skins for the group as well as the Indians. Lewis and Clark were able to see the plains untouched by civilization, a state of which will never return.