The Killing of Crazy Horse

By: Thomas Powers

Narrated by: John Pruden

Length: 20 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

He was the most feared and loathed Indian of his time, earning his reputation in surprise victories against the troops of Generals Crook and Custer at the Rosebud and Little Bighorn. Despite his enduring reputation, he has remained an enigma (even the whereabouts of his burial place are unknown, and no portrait or photograph of him exists). Now, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Thomas Powers brings Crazy Horse to life in this vivid work of American history.

Powers situates the critical battles won by Crazy Horse within the context of the decades-long conflict between Indian tribes and U.S. Army forces commonly called the Great Sioux Wars. He explores the complicated relationship between the tribes - in particular, Crazy Horse's Lakota Sioux - and the federal authorities. And he makes clear why the few battles won by the Indians - regardless of the fear they left in their wake - did not ultimately help them to stem the tide of settlers, gold seekers, and buffalo hunters that flooded the Great Plains after the Civil War.

©2010 Paul Rathbone (P)2010 Tantor

Critic reviews

"This latest account of the murder of Crazy Horse of the Lakota Sioux in 1877 is a complex, detailed and multilevel tale of greed, bad faith, racism and miscomprehension on both sides. John Pruden reads Thomas Powers's long book in a calm, unhurried voice. His pronunciation of the formidable Indian expressions and names is deft and unstrenuous. Though the voices of many are heard from letters, journals and interviews, Pruden does not embellish them; he maintains the narrating voice, avoiding complications in an already complicated but revelatory account." ( Washington Post Book World)

Fascinating history, well told.

They say history is written by the victors. This book, well narrated, sets conventional wisdom straight. I recommend this to all interested in what actually occurred in the life and death of the commander of Indian forces at Little Big Horn.

Great history reading

Should be mandatory in high schools! To teach what was done to native Americans and how they still pay the price of white peoples invasion and oppression

Moving story - suitable voice to tell it.

What made the experience of listening to The Killing of Crazy Horse the most enjoyable?

Very well told from multiple points of view - individual historic peoples' view well gathered together. Unfolding of the final events was almost unbearable. Tragic, moving story.

Which character – as performed by John Pruden – was your favorite?

Crazy Horse

Truth will make us free

Would you listen to The Killing of Crazy Horse again? Why?

Yes it warrents at least one, or several rereads. Like all history we can not absorbe all the ffull facts and meaning without a true search and review.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I don't look for favorite characters but rather try to extract the contridution of each input.

Which scene was your favorite?

Again the overal expansion of understanding I received from the history as presented is a good input into my life.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Several but I find it difficult, if not impossible to single out one or more.

Any additional comments?

Just a great story of the highs and lows in the human experience. What a great debt we owe these people.

Indian history

This was a great book explaining the history of the Indian culture and how terrible the US was to the Indians. I’m ashamed of our country for treating the Indians the way we did.

Eye opener

Would you consider the audio edition of The Killing of Crazy Horse to be better than the print version?

yes

Who was your favorite character and why?

n/a

What about John Pruden’s performance did you like?

good naration

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

if I could have, yes

Any additional comments?

This book is an eye opener on Lakota history. I have read books by Joseph Marshall, and they backup this book. American history dosen't even address the facts that are hidden from us. This book brings those facts out. It gives a new respect for the plains indians and questions the motives of the US Calvary.

The taking of Indian land

Recommended read. Well wrote detail of not just crazy horse but others during that time.

Terrific book

Meticulously researched and beautifully executed, The Killing of Crazy Horse is surely one of the finest books ever written about the Plains Indians, and about Crazy Horse in particular. I enjoyed it immensely.

Well-rounded story of an extraordinary individual

It does meander, and spends a LOT of time detailing the history of friends, family and adversaries, painting what might be considered a 360 degree picture of Crazy Horse. And while it is somewhat sympathetic portrait of a complex individual, it never becomes sycophantic or adoring. The title itself works on many levels. It's as much about the deeds of the man throughout his life, honorable and otherwise, as it is about the treachery which ultimately ended his life. A solid biography of one of the most important human beings to live on the North American continent.

A Complex Story of the Last Chapter

Powers masterfully weaves a narrative through an incredibly complex maze of sources. Yes, you have to dive deep into the ever changing family relationships. It’s the key to the time and place and if you lack the patient for it move on. Wonderful book describing what occurred more or less at each stage along the frontier. Yes, Patty, there was one.

However, the reading here is marred by so many pronunciation gaffs I lost count. It’s as if the narrator never tried to learn them.

Brule is Brool not Bru-lee. Just getting started.