Showing posts with label Lewis_Clark_expedition. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lewis_Clark_expedition. Show all posts

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Lewis and Clark: exploring the American West.

Robinson, Kate. Lewis and Clark: exploring the American West.
Enslow 2010 112p 31.93
Great Explorers of the World (Enslow)
978-1-59845-124-5 ms E-BNS
A complete look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition including the early lives of the two leaders, the expedition, and the impact on the United States and on Native Americans. This complete look at the Lewis and Clark Expedition begins with an episode from the middle of the trip when Lewis encountered several of the local wildlife. It then goes back to some background on the Westward Expansion and the lives of the the two men who would later lead the expedition. Both men were proven military leaders. On the day that France sold the Louisiana Purchase, Lewis started choosing volunteers for the Corps of Discovery. Much detail is included about the boats used, the obstacles overcome, discoveries made, Indian tribes they met, and occurrences along the the way. Whereas Lewis and Clark were in error in some of the assumptions they made about the Native Americans they encountered, their notes, journals and reports are the most extensive compilation of the nearly fifty tribes of the upper Missouri and Pacific Northwest that they met. The journals also record an immense amount of information on the land, flora and fauna of the area. These journals are frequently quoted in this text.
The lively text is enhanced with paintings, drawings and photographs. Extensive chapter notes are provided, along with a timeline, glossary, bibliography and index. Theal, Joan

Saturday, February 7, 2009

A Musical Journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark by Anne and Ridley Enslow

Enslow, Anne and Ridley. A Musical Journey in the footsteps of Lewis & Clark.
Enslow, 2008, 128p, $31.93, 978-0-7660-3288-0.

In the introduction to this unique musical journey, Professor Gary Mouton states that while Lewis & Clark and their entourage have been studied and applauded for their accomplishments, “the story of the party’s music has remained largely an unexplored landscape.” By using music of the era, including Mandan music, as well as earlier music that the Corps would have been familiar with, students can appreciate the role of music as part of the expedition. The Corps members themselves, in their journals, noted that music was a form of entertainment. Many students are familiar with primary source documents but perhaps do not realize that music itself is a primary source. In addition to the cd containing thirty selections, the authors have provided a teacher’s guide that provides activities and connections to music, American history and English curriculums. The cd is also accompanied by a detailed booklet with color photographs, maps, chapter notes and side bars, that relates the musical selection to a specific event or timeline of the expedition, and provides excellent background information for the teacher to present and use the selections in class. Lyrics to some of the songs are included. The musicians have recreated the period music with intensity and meticulous attention to detail. Listening to the music that was part of the lives of the intrepid expedition may help students musically experience the joys and tragedies of the expedition.
Discusses the role of music in the 1804-06 expedition led by Lewis & Clark, and provides examples of music, including lyrics, common at the time. RZ