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 M. Marshall, himself a Lakota Indian, creates a vibrant portrait of the man, his times, and his legacy.
Thanks to 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.
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"This is the story of Crazy Horse from the Lakota oral histories as told by the author, himself a Lakota that grew up on the reservations, who learned of the histories from his elders. This is the type of history that does not contain some of the fantastic stories of made up fantasy and embellishment that has come out in the past. Such as the battle at Greasy Grass better known as Little Big Horn and the defeat of Custer. Here it is told as a battle that took place over several days and covered several areas. Most stories that are heard are that all of the U.S. troops were wiped out in one single decisive battle. Historically this is not accurate. More interesting than the war stories are the histories of Crazy Horse as a child growing into the warrior and hunter that he was. A different look at his life and one that I feel is more accurate than what you would find in any history book in any classroom today."
— Robert (4 out of 5 stars)
" Wonderful storytelling and great insight into the Lakota way of life and a very sad chapter in American history. "
— SiriJodha, 2/19/2014" This is a great biography and history of the Oglala Lakota. It was a great read as it was written in the oral tradition. It gave tremendous insight into the life of Crazy Horse that has been plagued with so much legend and hearsay. It helped to clear up some of the misconceptions and myths surrounding Crazy Horse. It also gave great insight into the life and world of the Lakota. "
— Robert, 2/12/2014" I found this book to be very interesting. All I really knew about Crazy Horse was a stereo-typical character, only certain traits, then taken to an extreme. So learning more about the real person, how he struggled with and dealt with things made me admire him. I felt for the trials that he went through knowing how it would end up, but still wanted him to come out ahead anyway. "
— Darcy, 2/9/2014" Nice to see a American Indian perspective not a book tarnished by hate but written out of respect. at times it was a bit confusing, but over all I enjoed the the time spent. "
— Alysha, 2/7/2014" Another treatment of people who are liminal in historical documents. A great read. This book really places who the Lakota were in the later 1800's, and what that meant for them then, and for how we think about them now. "
— Hannah, 1/30/2014" This book is an absolutely amazing account of the history of the Lakota people and the abuse inflicted upon them by white people. I highly recommend this book to anyone. "
— Danielle, 1/28/2014" There is a great deal of hero worshipping in this book-and Joseph Marshall appears to wave off Crazy Horse running off with someone's else's wife. But the story of the American Natives' struggle against the miltary, corrupt officials, the railroad and the waves of immigrants onto Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana is very touching. Ultimately, the story was about the tribes-and the great loss that American Natives experienced with U.S. western expansion. "
— Kim, 1/25/2014" A collected, oral history of a noble and ultimately doomed struggle over not just land, but a way of life. "
— Jason, 1/16/2014" This makes me want to go back to visit the site of the Battle of Little Bighorn and just sit quietly listening to the land....... must be because of my native American ancestry...... "
— Becky, 12/20/2013" This is a tragic tale of a man and his people, based upon the oral traditions passed down from one generation to the next. Definitely a cautionary tale of what happens when principles are corrupted by material possessions. "
— Brad, 12/14/2013" there are many books about "the Light Haired One" and the Lakota but this one really speaks to their humanity and way of life. "
— Timm, 10/10/2013" this is an AMAZING book about crazy horse. read it if you have the slightest interest in learning about one of the best lakota warriors to grace the planet. joseph marshall is lakota himself and portrays crazy horse as a man, rather than a mythic legend. beautifully writiten. "
— Nicole, 10/3/2013" Found this on a trip to South Dakota. The story of Crazy Horse from the Lakota perspective. Intersperses cultural essays between chapters, which is a little bothersome. But overall a great insight into one of the original revolutionaries. "
— Joe, 7/31/2013" Dad told me about this one. It is a perspective of Crazy Horse and the Lakota in the 18th century from a Lakota perspective. Very good book! "
— Zackery, 6/14/2013" Since I know very little about Dakota Native American culture, I found this book rather entertaining and informative, but I don't know how someone more knowledgeable may interpret this work. "
— Loren, 9/27/2012" legend story, it sharpens ur mind, dreams "
— Erik09, 7/8/2012" Absolutely fantastic. I could listen to Mr. Marshall read all day. Very fascinating story as well. "
— Peggy, 6/9/2012" This is making a hero out of a criminal who maintained a lasting paradigm that makes peace difficult. "
— Justin, 5/17/2012" Fabulous! This is one to listen to -- read by the author. As a mom of boys, I was especially moved by the author's reflections on raising strong and gentle and wise men. "
— Susie, 4/26/2012" A tight little bio of the one and only legend, told in a storyteller fashion. The book represents Lakota culture, sometimes separate from the influence of whites. But mostly this is the story of the treachery and battles of the final days of non-agency Lakota freedom. "
— Christopher, 10/14/2011" BismillahirRahmanirRahim. I listened to the author read on CD. The story is based on oral tradition. If there are embellishments by the author, they're good. They hint at the complexity of character required in a leader of the people. "
— Meryem, 10/6/2010" Listened to this book on audio. It is a fascinating history of Crazy Horse and the Lakota tribe. The author, a Lakota native, is the narrator. I think I would rather read the book instead of listen to it, but it is definitely fascinating history. "
— Meryl, 9/14/2010" Another treatment of people who are liminal in historical documents. A great read. This book really places who the Lakota were in the later 1800's, and what that meant for them then, and for how we think about them now. "
— Hannah, 5/17/2010" Some parts were interesting but as an audio book it's a pretty dry listen. "
— MJ, 5/3/2010" The images of the plains and a young boy watching the beginning of the end of his people...profound...<br/>Joseph is a powerful Native American voice "
— Bonnie, 5/9/2009" A wonderful account of Crazy Horse, a man that led by example and strength and the deceit he encountered from his own people. "
— Jan, 3/7/2009" this biography was pretty captivating to read. it was written by another lakota, and you can tell he's pretty enthusiastic about crazy horse. its hard to tell with biographies if they are biased or not, but I think this one did a pretty good job at staying informative. "
— Carina, 2/3/2009Joseph M. Marshall III was born and raised on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota and holds a PhD from the reservation university, which he helped to establish. The award-winning author of ten books, he has also contributed to various publications and written several screenplays. His first language is Lakota, he handcrafts primitive Lakota bows and arrows, and he is a specialist in wilderness survival. His work as a cultural and historical consultant can be seen and heard on Turner Network Television and the Dreamworks epic television miniseries “Into the West.” He has won an Audie Award, Earphones Award, and “Nammy” Award and was named Best American Indian Fiction Writer by True West magazine in 2009.