Crazy Horse and Custer : Book Review

"Crazy Horse and Custer" by Stephen E. Ambrose is an incredibly captivating and informative account of the historically significant Battle of Little Bighorn. Ambrose skillfully weaves together the tales of two iconic figures in American history: Crazy Horse, a prominent Lakota warrior, and General George Armstrong Custer, the infamous leader of the 7th Cavalry.

Through his meticulous research, Ambrose brings these characters to life by delving into their backgrounds and exploring the events that shaped them leading up to the fateful battle. By painting a comprehensive picture of both men, Ambrose effectively captures their unique personalities and motivations.

While the focus of the book is centered around the Battle of Little Bighorn, Ambrose goes beyond this event by providing valuable context and historical background. He examines the broader conflicts and tensions between Native Americans and the United States government during that era, shedding light on the complexities of the time.

Ambrose's balanced approach to the characters is one of the book's strengths. Rather than portraying Custer as a heroic figure or Crazy Horse as a villain, Ambrose presents them as individuals shaped by their respective cultures and circumstances. This nuanced perspective allows readers to gain a deeper understanding of these historical figures.

In conclusion, "Crazy Horse and Custer" is an impeccably researched and engaging work of historical non-fiction. Ambrose's storytelling abilities and exploration of the Battle of Little Bighorn and the lives of Crazy Horse and Custer provide readers with a captivating and insightful look into this pivotal moment in American history. Whether one is a history enthusiast or simply looking to gain a deeper understanding of these iconic figures, this book is an absolute must-read.

What are readers saying?

Stephen E. Ambrose's book, "Crazy Horse and Custer," has sparked a range of reactions from readers. The book delves into the lives and contrasting leadership styles of two influential figures in American history: the Lakota Sioux warrior, Crazy Horse, and the U.S. Cavalry commander, General George Armstrong Custer.

On the whole, the majority of reviews applauded Ambrose's meticulous research and his ability to breathe life into history. Many readers found the book both informative and engaging, offering a well-balanced perspective on the events leading up to the Battle of Little Bighorn. Several reviewers praised Ambrose for his thorough analysis of both Crazy Horse and Custer, providing thought-provoking insights into their personalities and motivations.

However, there were also some negative reviews, with a few readers critiquing Ambrose's writing style. Some found the narrative repetitive at times, while others believed the book lacked depth and neglected certain aspects of the historical context. Additionally, a handful of readers felt that the book's depiction of Native Americans was overly idealized or lacked authenticity.

Despite these criticisms, the majority of readers admired Ambrose's storytelling prowess and his commitment to presenting a well-rounded account of the events. They appreciated his attention to detail and his ability to vividly portray the Western frontier during this tumultuous period in American history. Many readers felt that Ambrose successfully captured the essence of Crazy Horse and Custer, shedding light on their divergent leadership styles and the factors that led to their defining encounter at the Battle of Little Bighorn.

In summary, Stephen E. Ambrose's "Crazy Horse and Custer" elicited a range of responses from readers. While some praised the book's extensive research and captivating narrative, others found fault with the writing style and the portrayal of Native Americans. Nevertheless, the majority enjoyed Ambrose's storytelling abilities and his comprehensive analysis of both Crazy Horse and Custer.

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