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93 reviews for:
The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Nathaniel Philbrick
3.83 AVERAGE
93 reviews for:
The Last Stand: Custer, Sitting Bull, and the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Nathaniel Philbrick
3.83 AVERAGE
Like many Americans the things I knew about the Battle of Little Big Horn & Custer’s last stand against Sitting Bull were pretty much just what is contained in that sentence. This book provided great insight into a story often spoken about but rarely delved into.
While Philbrick had to wade through numerous accounts that all varied widely he did a wonderful job of painting a relatively realistic picture of what really went on. I appreciated the background that he provided on both Custer and Sitting Bull as well given my limited knowledge. The portrayals of the battles, landscape, and interpersonal relationships were fascinating and kept the story engaging.
This was my first book my Philbrick, and I am interested in reading more of his work. Both the writing style and narration kept me invested and wanting to pick the book back up. I’ll certainly revisit this book in the future for refreshers on the story and to better retain the many details provided.
While Philbrick had to wade through numerous accounts that all varied widely he did a wonderful job of painting a relatively realistic picture of what really went on. I appreciated the background that he provided on both Custer and Sitting Bull as well given my limited knowledge. The portrayals of the battles, landscape, and interpersonal relationships were fascinating and kept the story engaging.
This was my first book my Philbrick, and I am interested in reading more of his work. Both the writing style and narration kept me invested and wanting to pick the book back up. I’ll certainly revisit this book in the future for refreshers on the story and to better retain the many details provided.
An engaging and balanced account of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. It is a popular treatment, not really a technical analysis of the battle, and it focuses on Custer because most people expect a book about the battle to be about Custer. But it is about much more than that, and to Philbrick's credit he does much to dispell the myth while he shows how it came about. Equally interesting are his portraits of Reno and Benteen, who had as much to do with the 7th Cav's side of that battle as Custer did. Less time is spent with the Lakota and Cheyenne, but their side of the story is told as well. White Bull, a nephew of Sitting Bull, said "It was a hard fight, but it was a glorious battle. I enjoyed it." Laconic enough?
So much better than A Terrible Glory.
I think part of the problem I had with the other book was that I just didn't click with the writing style. I've loved every Philbrick book I've read, however, and this one was no exception. I also think that this book does a much better job covering the battle as a whole, and doesn't exclude the Lakota from the narrative nearly as much.
It did take me a while to get through this book, but that isn't a reflection on the book but rather on my suddenly very busy life starting a new job, going back to school, and planning a wedding all at once. So much to do, so little time!
I think part of the problem I had with the other book was that I just didn't click with the writing style. I've loved every Philbrick book I've read, however, and this one was no exception. I also think that this book does a much better job covering the battle as a whole, and doesn't exclude the Lakota from the narrative nearly as much.
It did take me a while to get through this book, but that isn't a reflection on the book but rather on my suddenly very busy life starting a new job, going back to school, and planning a wedding all at once. So much to do, so little time!
I liked this book but didn’t love it. I think at this point it’s generally understood that Custer kinda sucked and the last stand wasn’t really that so adding to that doesn’t feel new or refreshing. BUT there were parts I really enjoyed and obviously didn’t know about!
A tome of historical research that is impressive but also very whitewashed through much of it. At the very least it acknowledges that fact.
Glad I read it. Also includes a bit about Wounded Knee. I feel like the Custer-haters are missing out on hating a whole supporting cast of equally bad assholes, and I’m glad I learned about them.
Philbrick is always worth it. This is a story I was unfamiliar with it, so quite interesting. Custer, Sitting Bull, pretty interesting characters.
This was an enjoyable read for an amateur history reader. I like Philbrick's style, focusing on the man of Custer and the man of Sitting Bull, and using the events all out of chronological order, adding in material where it fits his story, not necessarily where it fits in time. I enjoyed the book so much, and I am looking forward to In the Heart of the Sea.
adventurous
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Philbrick once again connects exhaustive research with extraordinary personalities. Custer, Sitting Bull and the other men and women drawn into the cataclysm of the American West are fully fleshed people, complete with character flaws, vanity, and irresistible charisma and leadership skills.
The tragedy of the genocide of native cultures is laid bare, and the atrocities on both sides of the conflict often make for hard reading. I have a new and troubled appreciation for the costs associated with the "sea to shining sea" drive of our nation.
The tragedy of the genocide of native cultures is laid bare, and the atrocities on both sides of the conflict often make for hard reading. I have a new and troubled appreciation for the costs associated with the "sea to shining sea" drive of our nation.