• A Terrible Glory

  • Custer and the Little Bighorn: The Last Great Battle of the American West
  • By: James Donovan
  • Narrated by: Jeff Bottoms
  • Length: 16 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (205 ratings)

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A Terrible Glory  By  cover art

A Terrible Glory

By: James Donovan
Narrated by: Jeff Bottoms
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Publisher's summary

A rousing and meticulously researched account of the notorious Battle of Little Big Horn and its unforgettable cast of characters from Sitting Bull to Custer himself.

In June of 1876, on a desolate hill above a winding river called "the Little Bighorn", George Armstrong Custer and all 210 men under his direct command were annihilated by almost 2,000 Sioux and Cheyenne. The news of this devastating loss caused a public uproar, and those in positions of power promptly began to point fingers in order to avoid responsibility. Custer, who was conveniently dead, took the brunt of the blame.

The truth, however, was far more complex. A Terrible Glory is the first audiobook to relate the entire story of this endlessly fascinating battle and the first to call upon all the significant research and findings of the past 25 years - which have changed significantly how this controversial event is perceived. Furthermore, it is the first to bring to light the details of the US Army cover-up - and unravel one of the greatest mysteries in US military history.

Scrupulously researched, A Terrible Glory will stand as a landmark work. Brimming with authentic detail and an unforgettable cast of characters - from Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse to Ulysses Grant and Custer himself - this is history with the sweep of a great novel.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2008 James Donovan (P)2019 Hachette Audio
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about A Terrible Glory

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great book and narration

Grabbed this title after visiting the battlefield last weekend. This book was on display there so wanting to know more listened to this on the drive home. First off the narrator was great. Was a little worried after reading a few negative comments regarding it but not sure why they were complaining. Just listen to the sample provided as it was all I needed to know those commenters must of been expecting Sir Lawrence Olivia.

The book itself was well researched and the author steered clear of conjecture or personal opinion. I appreciated that he didn’t state Custer’s death was a suicide as some do based on the reported gunshot wound to his head. Maybe it was but no no one survived that portion of the battle who was under his command.

Overall a great historical accounting of the event with context of people and events prior to the battle for context and it’s aftermath.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Truth

The author is descriptive and covers facts writing with tale of history that makes you enjoy history without being too dry.

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1 person found this helpful

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Much to Ponder

I appreciate the effort at a balnaced account of one of the most controversial events,of American history. The narration was varied and kept me engaged. Highly recommended for any student of the American West.

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Outstanding!

Lots of great detail and Inormation in this easy-to-listen read with a great narrator! Perfect for a visit to the Battlefield.

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Interesting, well read.

I don’t know a lot of the background of this battle or it’s aftermath. I did find the book interesting and, I think, unbiased. It certainly prompted me to want to understand this part of history better.

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Comprehensive and Well Told

Wonderdully crafted narrative of not just the battle, but the lead up and aftermath as well. It was definitely easier to imagine and follow the timeline of those days after being to the battle site.

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One of the Very Best, Most Thorough Histories Ever

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Jeff Bottoms narration of this thorough history of the Custer’s who died together in a terrible miscalculation of the battle they sought to cement themselves into glory.

Also enjoyed learning about Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull and, of course, the Indian scouts for Custer.

Worse than the atrocities suffered by the soldiers, both at the battlefield and after, was the horrific treatment of the Sioux before, during and after the great Sioux War.

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Terrific story of Custer, the Little Big Horn

This book "A Terrible Glory" was a very insightful unbiased view of Custer, his life and those around him. Told from the views of both the American Army and the Indians of the West. The book Shows exactly how and why the battle took place the way it did and gives details as to those involved and how they handled the battle. Both from a heroic and less than heroic standpoint.

Clearly, Custer was up against from the get go of the expedition of 1876, From lack of support in Washington and definite lack of support from his officers. That coupled with arrogance of invincibility on Custer's part caused the demise of nearly all of the 7th Calvary.

The narrator was very good, no worries in getting used to his voice, tone and definitely no problems with pronunciations of names and places, which is always a issue with me.

HIghly recommend this book to anyone interested Custer and the battle of the Little Big Horn. Also the PDF of maps included are a tremendous aide in following the armies movements. Only drawback here is the author attention to extreme detail can be a bit lengthy but It certainly does not deter from the excellent job done here

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6 people found this helpful

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Great book

Any fan of westerns or military history will enjoy the wonderful account, probably the most legendary battle next to the fabled spartan 300 or d day. Well done and read.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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The Narration Ruined This Book

I could not finish this book because the narration was so robotic, one long monotone. The book is iconic history but it needs to be told with some emotion.

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