The Journey of Crazy Horse

A Lakota History

By: Joseph M. Marshall III

Narrated by: Joseph M. Marshall III

Length: 10 hrs and 56 mins

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)

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

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.

I hardly ever give reviews

I hardly ever give reviews, but this audio book is so fantastic and informative...That I can simply not give a review. The narrator/ Author Tells the oral history of crazy horse and the Lakota peoples struggles with the whites greedy way of life and plans of manifest destiny. crazy horse is a person we should all strive to emulate, and a rare example of a person who not only didn't abuse his power.....but truly cared about the good of his people

A journey well worth taking !!

What did you love best about The Journey of Crazy Horse?

I loved the way it took you on a such a powerful journey with the Lakota that at times you felt you were almost there experiencing it with them

What did you like best about this story?

I liked the genuine insight the story gives you - told by a Lakota without the gloss and hype that Americans usually put on it. It tells the TRUTH about what happened to the Lakota and it's an ugly truth. Modern day Americans should be ashamed of this Chapter in their history.

What about Joseph M. Marshall III’s performance did you like?

I liked the way he presented it in such a down to earth way - and the way he tells their side of what happened

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

At one point yes there were tears in my eyes when Joseph tells of Crazy Horse performing the Sundance Festival (I think it was called) - circling the Encampment before riding off to Battle.

Any additional comments?

I now see the Indiginous Indians and the Lakota in a whole new light - and my heart goes out to these proud noble people who in the end could do nothing but submit to the inevitability of white man domination and the resulting stifling way of life on a reservation.

a well told and worthwhile story

loved the story. the content and its presentation will make you feel a real connection to the subject matter.

Grandpa Joseph did it again

A well written narrative that touches the heart of the wild and free. The great mother honors those that still know her.

Richness and Depth

Perspective matters. I don't know what all I should say - only that this is one of the best books on leadership reported from multiple perspectives, but especially from an under-represented perspective that most certainly matters.

A beautiful, tragic and authentic story

A beautiful, tragic and authentic story about a real American hero and our sad history.

Reality, history and simply, a love of people.

Every person in America should read this.
Schools should include it in History class for Elementary students. The narrator /author was perfect. His equal depiction of both sides and soft calm tone to explain this piece of sad but real history of our country and how it came to be. Makes my heart hurt.

A good account

my heart feels heavy after this story. we are all human and should all be treated so. should all love another. why not?