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The Journey of Crazy Horse  By  cover art

The Journey of Crazy Horse

By: Joseph M. Marshall III
Narrated by: Joseph M. Marshall III
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Publisher's summary

Most of the world remembers Crazy Horse as a peerless warrior who brought the U.S. Army to its knees at the Battle of Little Bighorn. But to his fellow Lakota Indians, he was a dutiful son and humble fighting man who, with valor, spirit, respect, and unparalleled leadership, fought for his people's land, livelihood, and honor. In this fascinating biography, Joseph Marshall, himself a Lakota Indian, creates a vibrant portrait of the man, his times, and his legacy.

Drawing on firsthand research and his culture's rich oral tradition (rarely shared outside the Native American community), Marshall reveals many aspects of Crazy Horse's life, including details of the powerful vision that convinced him of his duty to help preserve the Lakota homeland, a vision that changed the course of Crazy Horse's life and spurred him confidently into battle time and time again.

The Journey of Crazy Horse is the true story of how one man's fight for his people's survival roused his true genius as a strategist, commander, and trusted leader. And it is an unforgettable portrayal of a revered human being and a profound celebration of a culture, a community, and an enduring way of life.

©2004 Joseph M. Marshall III (P)2004 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"A vivid, haunting biography that acknowledges the author's boyhood hero worship but avoids hagiography....This book adds spirit and life to our understanding of this enigmatic and important man." (Publishers Weekly)
"Marshall does a good job of bringing Crazy Horse to life by examining all his milestones....A highly readable, as-accurate-as-the-record-allows study of the nineteenth-century's best-known Lakota chief." (Booklist)

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What listeners say about The Journey of Crazy Horse

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Highly Educational, Interesting, and Provoative

Joseph Marshall is an excellent writer, storyteller and intellectual. I've read him before--I believe it was a collection of Lakota stories that had been passed to him by relatives--so I expected this to be good as well. I wasn't disappointed, but I was somewhat astonished at just how much there was for me to learn. Like many non-Indians interested in Native America, I guess I must have assumed I already knew most of what there is to know about the Lakota struggles to preserve their land and way of life. But while I knew the gist of the Crazy Horse story, I certainly did not know him as a "real" person--a son, brother, husband, humble man, and somewhat reluctant leader. I also did not realize how close his legacy and character still are to modern, living people.

I say Marshall is intellectual--and he is--but much of his understanding comes from his upbringing and closeness to loving family members who were, of course, older and closer in time to Crazy Horse. It's apparent when I think about it that Marshall is also well educated in more formal, book-and-classroom sort of ways, but these sources are not distinguished by him. He appears to feel that there need be no distinction between highly formalized and more informal learning because knowledge and understanding, whatever their source, are good.

I'm grateful for the lessons learned here. Even though I'm not of Lakota heritage, I feel that Marshall shares what he knows in the hope that any reader can both enjoy and learn from what he tells. I come away from this book entertained, sobered, more respectful, and desiring to keep learning. I'm pretty sure that anyone who listens to this book will come away greatly enriched.

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new insight of loss of a culture from lakota view

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

It seems like a grandfather telling a story of his life and culture. The life of Crazy Horse is important, of course, but the story was much more. It was a story of who a Lakota is and why he is. I also could relate it to our current wars and how we are trying to change the cultures and lives of the Afgan people. We think for the best, but how we destroy so much in order to have the change\

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

Mr. Marshall was just excellent. I had tears in my eyes as the death unfolded. I could feel the grief of the parents, tribe, friends.. The loss of a great leader and the loss of a great culture

What does Joseph M. Marshall III bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I felt like I was sitting at the foot of a wise grandfather who was telling me how to be a better man by telling me a story of a great warrior and why he was a better man

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Interesting history, disappointing storytelling

I was happy to hear from a native Lakota voice the story of Crazy Horse. However, the narrative was fairly flat and rolled along like a historical outline padded with scenery. I am grateful to have been exposed to the perspective and information but found the storytelling and narration somewhat flat.

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A Tale of Leadership

Having just completed the audiobook, I found it to be a deeply moving narrative. While at times somber, it offers profound insights into leadership, resilience, and the human experience. Highly recommended for those seeking a poignant exploration of history and the human spirit.

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Amazing story

This was an incredible man, who played a fascinating role in history… And is probably misunderstood by most people. I found this book an incredible experience to listen to… and the narrator, I believe is Native American… So it almost sounds like you’re sitting around a campfire hearing the story… Plus every now and then, they added some aggressive flute music … but it works.

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Excellent Author -Masterful Teling

I love this author and he narrated this audiobook. This is 5 stars easily. I could not stop listening,

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Told from the viewpoint of the Native American.

Details about his life and the struggles of his people are told with a great degree of clarity as lived from them.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

A lot of opinions included in with the facts

I find it hard to believe that the author knew what was said between private conversations between Crazy Horse and his father. Harder still, that he knew details of Crazy Horse and his wife, and what they did inside their lodge during private moments. The story depicts the innocence of the Indians, never mentioning that they too, killed women and children. Times were different then, and no side was completely right or completely wrong. History is not made to be judged, or slanted, and probably cannot even be completely understood from a different time period and place. I did enjoy the author reading the story, and how beautifully he speaks the Lakota language.

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Joseph was a phenomenal narrator.

The best book I ever read .
so believable, I did not want it to end.

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An important perspective

I enjoyed the authors perspective on this shared history. It is an important perspective that should not be ignored or forgotten. I loved the insights into the Lakota lifestyle and teachings.

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