The Killing of Crazy Horse

By: Thomas Powers

Narrated by: John Pruden

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.

Another victim of settler colonialism…

A fascinating and heartbreaking story of a true rebel and defender of his people, fighting an ignoble battle against an endlessly untrustworthy foe. Worth a second listen for details.

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

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.