Lewis and Clark Expedition, Encyclopedia of the

This book starts out with a well-written introduction that provides an overview of the expedition, followed by a chronology of events leading up to, during and after the journey. The introduction and chronology provide useful context for the hundreds of entries that follow. The entries range from a couple of paragraphs to a couple of pages. They provide fascinating details on such subjects as the Native American tribes encountered during the expedition, sexual encounters by expedition members during the journey, supplies and equipment brought along during the journey, Clark's slave York (including his life after the expedition) and Lewis' dog Seaman. The book makes for easy browsing, as there are numerous cross-references that can bring you to related subjects, as well as recommended reading listed at the end of each entry. All in all, it's an enjoyable and highly recommended read.