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Tides of History · April 23, 2026 · 0h 44m

Lewis and Clark, the Corps of Discovery, and Writing Collective History

Craig Fehrman
Show Notes

Patrick Wyman interviews author Craig Fehrman about his new book This Vast Enterprise, which explores the Lewis and Clark Expedition through multiple perspectives. The conversation examines how understanding the richness and complexity of the expedition—including the roles of enslaved people, Indigenous nations, and various Corps members—allows us to better understand both the early 19th century and the nature of collective historical narratives.

This summary was generated from show notes and public descriptions, not from a full transcript review. Details may contain inaccuracies.

Editorial

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The Lewis and Clark Expedition as Collective History
Understanding the Lewis and Clark Expedition requires examining it through multiple simultaneous perspectives—those of the Corps members, enslaved people, and Indigenous nations—rather than as a singular heroic narrative.
ClaudeChatGPTGemini
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Representation and Voice in Historical Documentation
Historical narratives are shaped by whose accounts were recorded and preserved, creating gaps in understanding perspectives from enslaved people, Indigenous peoples, and lower-ranking participants.
ClaudeChatGPTGemini
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The Expedition as Window into Early 19th-Century America
The Lewis and Clark Expedition, properly understood through multiple perspectives, illuminates the broader social, economic, and political structures of early 19th-century America.
ClaudeChatGPTGemini

References

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This Vast Enterprise — Craig Fehrman (2026) — New book on Lewis and Clark Expedition examining it from multiple viewpoints
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Lost Worlds: The Rise and Fall of Human Societies from the Ice Age to the Bronze Age — Patrick Wyman (2026) — Patrick's upcoming book, available for preorder
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The Verge: Reformation, Renaissance, and Forty Years that Shook the World — Patrick Wyman — Patrick's previous book, available in multiple formats

Misc

✧Patrick launched a companion show, Past Lives, exploring real historical figures
✧This episode focuses on methodology: how to write history when multiple perspectives existed simultaneously
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