ePub Death at the Little Bighorn: A New Look at Custer; His Tactics; and the Tragic Decisions Made at the Last Stand by Ph.D. Phillip Thomas Tucker in History

Review

0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A New and Thought Provoking Look at an American History LegendBy Steven S. AirheartPhilip Thomas Tucker has helped to rewrite history in his book "Death at the Little Bighorn." Tucker's judgement is sound; fair; and draws on many documented accounts-- both Anglo and Native American. The words of many of the combatants on that day have been with us all along; and military reviews of the battle were given in the immediate aftermath of the 7th Cavalry's defeat. However; Tucker argues; the Custer Myth was created to make sense of how Sioux and Cheyenne warriors could have routed such a powerful foe as the 7th. Tucker's main thrust here is that Custer's attempt to flank the tribal encampment on the Little Bighorn river was thwarted by a small force of mostly Cheyenne warriors; and that Custer was seriously wounded in the early stages of the fighting--not at the end. The much celebrated and courageous "Last Stand" was in actuality a rout that started at the river and ended further up the bluffs that overlooked the Indian encampment. Tucker goes to great lengths to emphasize the Native American recounting of the battle which has been largely ignored over the past century. A criticism of this book is that Tucker repeats himself often throughout the narrative. He does do this; but I view this as similar to a mini-series on television which likes to refresh the viewer as the story moves along. I did not think this negated the interesting and thought provoking tale that Tucker weaves here. I have read nearly all major works on this topic and feel this is one of the best.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. it might be easy to judge the battle for its motives and outcomeBy schw0855For any American history buff; the Battle of Little Bighorn is an iconic piece of our nation’s past. It stands as a bold example of the relations between White settlers and American Indians; incumbent to the land for generations. In today’s political; cultural; and social climate; it might be easy to judge the battle for its motives and outcome. At the time; however; Custer did well to prove his prowess as an outstanding military mind and leader. The advent of hindsight makes it easy to judge; there is no excuse for mass genocide. However; and perhaps for that exact reason; any reader of this book would be wise to suspend indignation at the travesty of senseless deaths and focus more on the adept historical research done by the author; Phillip Thomas Tucker. DEATH AT LITTLE BIGHORN is an examination of the dichotomy of what is written in textbooks vs. what was actually blazed on the battlefield. It rightly puts to the test the adage that; “history is written by the victor”; and discusses not only the iconic fight but the geopolitical climate that heavily influenced the aftermath of the Great Sioux War; and how Custer was portrayed through the decades that followed. While I would have appreciated more in-text references to the resources the author cites to contradict what has traditionally been taught; he does note that many of the testimonies were oral; passed down through the years in American Indian circles. Overall this is a remarkable study of the crucial (though for many reasons; unfortunate) battle and the man whose personal and professional reputation was forever carved out; whether justly or not.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. How ever it was a great book; the author is clearly well versed in ...By mmknaplesflPhillip Thomas tucker really put his own twist on Death at the little bighorn. I personally had never even heard of this battle; perhaps I missed this day in history class? Who knows . I had to look this battle up before I read this book so that I knew enough to read this. Anywho; this book was very well written; it was longer than most books I choose to read ; longer than my attention span lasts. How ever it was a great book; the author is clearly well versed in the history of this battle ; it is pretty cool to see authors put their own twist on things that have happened in history. I feel as though alot of the reviewers on this book just really focused on negative things and hadn't integrated enough positivity in their reviews. This is a good read for people into history; battles; military ; etc type of books . The price point is a little too expensive for my own taste; but hey everybody has their own likes and dislikes. The author expresses himself clearly. I had bought this book for my brother because he's a history buff ; it was lying around and I was bored so I decided to give it a read. If you are like my brother you will enjoy this fiction added to nonfiction. I'd recommend this to a certain group of people into history. Great job Phillip.