Into the Wilderness: The Lewis and Clark Expedition

Foreword

Foreword This book is published as Kentucky joins the rest of the country in commemorating the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean, an astonishing journey that shaped our nation. This tale is a Kentucky story as well, for Kentucky was the West in 1800, and the brave Kentuckians who made the journey comprised nearly half of the men in the Corps of Discovery. The Kentucky Humanities Council began New Books for New Readers because Kentucky's adult literacy students want books that recognize their intelligence and experience while meeting their need for simplicity in writing. The first twelve titles in the New Books for New Readers series have helped many adult students open the window on the wonderful world of literacy. At the same time, these New Books, with their plain language and compelling stories of Kentucky history and culture, have found a wider audience among accomplished readers of all ages who recognize a good story when they see one. As we publish this thirteenth book in the series, we thank our authors and our readers, who together have proved that New Books and the humanities are for everyone. Through your efforts, we too, in the words of William Clark, will "proceed on." This volume was made possible by contributions from the Kentucky Humanities Council's Board of Directors and from many individuals all across the Commonwealth who financially support our mission. We especially recognize Martin F. Schmidt, who has steadfastly believed in this ongoing project. We are grateful for the advice, support, and long partnership provided to us by the University of Kentucky and the University Press of Kentucky. The Council thanks all of our friends who share our commitment to the important role that reading books plays in the lives of the people of our Commonwealth. Homes without books are lives without hope. Virginia G. Smith, Executive Director Kentucky Humanities Council, Inc. TELLING KENTUCKY'S STORY iv ...