Library Journal Review: For most of us, William Clark (1770?1838) is forever linked to Meriwether Lewis and their 1804?06 Corps of Discovery expedition across the North American continent. Jones (The Essential Lewis and Clark) capably describes this voyage while filling in the other details of Clark's life. In 1789 Clark joined the Kentucky militia and spent the next seven years on the Spanish, English, and Indian fronts of a growing, land-hungry American nation. During this time, he learned leadership and organizational skills and observed how to negotiate with Indian tribes, especially at land-ceding treaty councils. From 1807 until his death in 1838, Clark served the U.S. government in a variety of positions, including governor of the Louisiana Territory, brigadier general of the territory's militia, and superintendent of Indian affairs, sometimes simultaneously and controversially. Jones points out that Clark signed 37 treaties with various Indian nations during this time and oversaw the removal of over 81,000 Indians. Clark tried to balance helping the Indians with placating Missouri settlers and various War Department administrations in Washington. Informed by recent finds, Jones's research and writing are excellent; he cites an extensive bibliography and puts it to work in very thorough endnotes. He does an excellent job of describing the broader picture and placing Clark the man, not Clark the myth, in the context. Highly recommended for both public and academic libraries. ?Margaret Atwater-Singer, Univ. of Evansville Libs., IN Copyright ? Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.