Books : A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn - the Last Great Battle of the American West
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Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.82
EAN: 9780316155786
ISBN: 0316155780
Label: Little, Brown and Company
Manufacturer: Little, Brown and Company
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 544
Publication Date: March 24, 2008
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Sales Rank: 15222
Studio: Little, Brown and Company
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Editorial Review:
Product Description:
In June of 1876, on a desolate hill above a winding river called "the Little Bighorn," George Armstrong Custer and all 210 men under his direct command were annihilated by almost 2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne. The news of this devastating loss caused a public uproar, and those in positions of power promptly began to point fingers in order to avoid responsibility. Custer, who was conveniently dead, took the brunt of the blame.
The truth, however, was far more complex. A TERRIBLE GLORY is the first book to relate the entire story of this endlessly fascinating battle, and the first to call upon all the significant research and findings of the past twenty-five years--which have changed significantly how this controversial event is perceived. Furthermore, it is the first book to bring to light the details of the U.S. Army cover-up--and unravel one of the greatest mysteries in U.S. military history.
Scrupulously researched, A TERRIBLE GLORY will stand as ta landmark work. Brimming with authentic detail and an unforgettable cast of characters--from Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse to Ulysses Grant and Custer himself--this is history with the sweep of a great novel.
Average Rating: 
Rating:  -
This book is sourced from primary accounts and field archaeology of the battle site.
It is the most insightful, defnitive and useful book on the Custer fight, having have read most others.
It explains the differences between Indian & Cavalry battle philosophies, and reveals why Custer could not win victory at Little Big Horn, and the reasons why such a talented experienced commander missed seeing it til too late.
The aftermath section of this comprehensive text shows how facts were blurred and a Custer legend, good and bad, came about.
For the first time I now understand what happened, and why. This book is required reading for anyone who wants to know what the true story was.
It is nice to rise above the fog of opinion and hear the tale as the ground tells it.
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This is popular history done right. Grammar, punctuation and style all perfect; a fine-detail index, a thorough bibliography, and all conclusions documented in copious notes and references; maps at relevant scale spaced through the text, so you always know where you (and the combatants) are, and dozens of portraits, both native American and white, to help you keep track of who's who in the Northern Plains country; facts all organized, clear, and eminently readable, but not getting in the way of a horribly compelling story.
Best of all, Donovan is objective: from page to page you can see his continuing effort to be scrupulously factual, neither condemning, nor apologizing for, either side of this controversial conflict. His ubiquitous impartiality lends all the more credibility to his critical treatment of Reno's conduct during the battle. He blames the catastrophe mainly on the corruption of the Grant administration and the army's disastrous underestimation of the sioux potential for organized battle -- which is surely where it belongs.
Some drawings or aerial shots of the terrain would be helpful (the jacket photo is obscured by title etc), and a final opinionated summary of Donovan's own take would be a good idea. He has earned the right to one.
Bravo!
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This was a wonderfuly written book. It had more facts about the Last Stand than any other book I have ever read. The history in this book was well written and the book was an interesting read.
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"A Terrible Glory" is one of the few books I've read on 1800's era history. I can't comment on the accuracy of the claims or facts presented in this book.
However, I can comment on the book's "readability" and apparent credibility...and ATG is an enjoyable work!! My prior opinion on Custer was one of a vain fop. However, the author brings the the man into light a one of social genius and puckish ego. If accurate, everyone knows someone like Custer and the author's telling helps the reader step into the book easily.
Presentation of facts and subsequent analysis are, in my opinion, fair and intelligently presented - no one has a time machine, so at some point the reader needs to suspend any argument and just read.
One topic clearly and succinctly addressed is that of treatment of the Native Americans - of course, you'll judge for yourself, but I found the author to be fair and rational, avoiding emotional extremes on such a volatile subject. Someone with a topical interest in Native American settlement will likely find themselves confident in either their new knowledge or clarified retelling of history.
Because of the easy writing and colorful subject, ATG is recommended as a read to consume in one or compacted sitting.
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books on the battle of the Little Big Horn, and I have read them all!
Its great any time true versions of historic events are told...this does justice to this battle and I recommend it for any student of history.
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