This short book packs in so much detail, from the big picture of the political landscape to the hardships the soldiers and their horses & mules faced. As a kid in school, I remember Custer being portrayed as a heroic figure, a victim. Sandoz details his political aspirations to become president and how that tunnel vision led to his discounting reports of enemy numbers and strength, disobeying orders, and splitting his forces so he'd get all the glory in a victory, a move that sent many men to their deaths. He did all the things a good leader would never do. ( )

A classic account of the Battle at Greasy Grass. There are many other studies of this famous fight, and I think one starts here. ( )

Written in 1966, by the noted Western historian Mari Sandoz; thus, rather dated but still compares favorably to more recent works (such as Nathan Philbrick’s The Last Stand). Ms. Sandoz is an evocative writer; the expression “reads like a novel” could well be applied, especially in the descriptions of the gritty and exhausting approach march by the 7th Cavalry. A major difference from Philbrick’s work is Sandoz denies that any of the soldiers were drunk at the battle, while Philbrick suggests Major Marcus Reno consumed most of a bottle of whiskey. I will certainly have to read more of Sandoz’ work; this one is recommended. ( )

Like any Sandoz book, clear, well-written, and lyric. A recounting of the battle between George Armstrong Custer's small scouting force, and the summer gathering of most of the Plains tribes in existence at the time.

Sandoz, who knew many of the Native American veterans of this battle when she was a child, gives us a clear-eyed view of the many phases of this battle; with insight into both the white and the Indian strategy, thinking, errors, and interpretations. She is remarkably even-handed, with credit given for courage and honor wherever it is due. Her summary chapters are especially interesting, as she walks a fair line between the Custer idolaters (who blamed everything on Reno's drinking habits) and the Johnny-Come-Lately naysayers (who blamed everything on everybody in sight, based on "eyewitness" testimony from people who weren't present at the time).

For clarity, fairness, and unique perspective - highly recommended. ( )

1048 The Battle of the Little Big Horn, by Mari Sandoz (read 11 Apr 1970) This book, about Custer's Last Stand, is vivid, not overly concerned with minutiae, and my enjoyment of it was vastly enhanced by having been at the scene of the battle. Ideally, one should go to the scene and then read the book on the grounds. Really an extremely interesting event. ( )