g feature of the book is Holmberg’s propensity to express frustration at Floyd’s journalistic parsimoniousness. In note 80, for instance, Holmberg finds it incredible that Floyd did not mention his fellow Kentuckians Reubin and Joseph Field by name.
All in all, this is a valuable addition to Lewis and Clark literature. The book enhanced my understanding not only of Charles Floyd the person and of his contribution to the expedition, but of the expedition as a whole. The story of Floyd’s burial and many reburials, painstakingly told by Holmberg in the introduction, is worth the book’s price by itself. It reads like a mystery novel – but with a happy ending. Sergeant Floyd would be honored to have such a meticulous and sympathetic editor.
The University of Texas at Arlington