decent, but summary, not comprehensive story

I'm starting to take in all I can about the Lewis & Clark expedition, and this was my first source. I found it decent, but surprisingly short and summary. A lot of details seem to be left out here, some different perspectives and context. Frankly I found it kind of disappointing coming from the knowledgeable and well-established National Geographic. I'd like to know more about the lives of Lewis, Clark, and their team before and after this adventure. How did they attract people to come with them? What about all the various Native tribes--without whom this expedition would've been nothing? Did they already know what Lewis & Clark (Jefferson) were seeking, either in one tribe or between different ones? What about their mistakes, like thinking they'd reached the Pacific before they actually had?

It's ironic to me that they were sent on a mission to find a Northwest Passage--a water connection between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, yet as amazing an achievement as the trip was, they never found it. Because there could be no water passage across the Continental Divide. Not until 100 years later in the early 20th century was that passage actually found--in Canada's Arctic. And in the 21st century, with global warming, we're actually looking at it possibly becoming a practical shipping route.

Seattle, WA