I am not, as some of the other reviewers here clearly are, a professional student of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. I bought this book as a reader interested in American History generally, and in the American West in particular. What I found was a highly readable book that seemed, to me at least, to treat the various actors involved in this battle fairly. James Donovan did an excellent job of placing the battle in its historical context. I enjoyed the general historical review leading up to the battle and the numerous firsthand accounts throughout the coverage of the battle itself, but I found the author's coverage of the aftermath of the battle to be especially informative. James Donovan's conclusions that the officers of the 7th closed ranks around Reno, despite his serious blunders and drunkenness, out of honor and political necessity was logically presented and well-supported.

Prior to reading this book, I was under the impression that the 7th went into battle as a well-armed, well-supplied fighting force. I was also under the impression that the battle's clear cut hero was Benteen. Donovan's narrative goes to great lengths to clear up both of these misconceptions. I would recommend this book to anyone looking to build a better understanding of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, both in the particulars of the battle itself and in its larger context as a turning point in the history of the American west.

Because I am working on a related project, I've read quite a bit of the Custer literature lately, both scholarly works and more popular treatments. I hasten to clarify that I am not a Custer enthusiast or expert, and that the existing literature is sprawling at least. I was skeptical of yet another general treatment of the battle, but Donovan's writing makes the scene come alive in almost cinematic fashion. Reading this book enabled me to clearly visualize how events unfolded, which is no small task. As a scholar with a general working knowledge, I'm impressed with his diligent mining of primary sources, old and new, and by his artful use of obscure but telling details to bring events and people-mainly U.S. Army soldiers- to life. The bibliography leaves little to be desired, but the book reads like a novel. While personalities come vividly to light, Donovan does not dwell on the persona of Custer, and he rejects the notion that Custer's actions doomed the Seventh cavalry. Rather, by linking together unfolding circumstances and decisions as if a clock is ticking, he makes the battle seem almost like a "perfect storm" of errors colliding to ensnare Custer and his men-perhaps this was Sitting Bull's medicine? He also makes a strong case for Custer having been scapegoated after the battle in order to obscure the conduct and decisions of others, including his superiors and, of course, Reno. In other words, an informed and nuanced reading, narrated with remarkable clarity and verve.

A Terrible Glory is a remarkable accomplishment. Donovan writes with a novelist's flair for narrative written in engaging detail, and has dug up an impressive quantity of primary source material. Over 25 years, I've read 15 or 20 books on this battle, including archaeological reports (and I have an academic background and field experience in historical archeology)- and this book stands out as a fine, one-volume summary of the events and personalties involved in this chapter of American history. It is, indeed, the best one-volume account of the Little Bighorn battle, well-suited to fit the needs and interests of general readers. Those with more specialized tastes may take issue with some of Donovan's conclusions and re-creations, but should come away with a deep respect for his efforts and opinions. A Terrible Glory is an outstanding accomplishment, even given the broad field of the extensive literature on the subject. Read it, keeping a finger in the back pages of notes, or you'll miss some interesting details.

A well researched historical account dragged down by inadequate editing, writing and even proofreading.

"A Terrible Glory" is full of details about the actions of the participants in the Battle of Little Bighorn, aka "Custer's Last Stand". Despite the wealth of detail, I was almost continually confused about when things were happening. Mr. Donovan seldom mentioned dates and (during the battle) times for events. I also just didn't understand how the 7th Cavalry forces were organized that day; who commanded who. The author usually described what the various companies in the regiment were doing, and that they were undermanned, but I had no real idea how many soldiers were involved at many stages of the story.

Not to give away the main theme but Custer: good, Reno: bad.

As to the editing and proofreading.... One event is said to have occurred on June 31st. A soldier is said to have been nicknamed "Dry Martini" after the cocktail which was invented about 30 years later. And -- this is kind of sad -- Mr Donovan concluded with a whimsical vision of Indian and soldier's ghosts "in a brotherhood that reaches past race and religion and greed." Yep, no one noticed the obvious typo of "greed" instead of "creed". (He should have said "tribe" in the first place.)

I haven't studied this battle at the sub-atomic level like some of the reviewers, but I was disappointed that Mr Donovan's work suffered from editorial carelessness his research did not deserve.

There are those who obsess over the events described in this book, and then there are those whose lives would be absolutely none the worse for having never heard of the Little Bighorn. The great thing about this book is that it appeals to both levels.

As an avid reader on the subject, I found the book to be impressively researched. I am not alone in that opinion. Even Robert Utley, one of the most distinguished writers on the West, has described the research of primary materials as the best he's ever seen.

My girlfriend, hardly a fan of anything military or the old West, casually picked up this book when I'd finished. Three days later she put it down and asked if I had any more just like it. Mind you, her idea of a good read had heretofore been more Reader's Digest than New Yorker.

My point here is that there is fresh material here for readers already informed on the subject, and a great story told with style for those readers who are not. In my opinion, this is simply the best book on the subject. To those other reviewers who relegate the book to the "2 star" basement, I say read it again, this time sober.

The 2 and 3-star reviewers seem to be firmly anti-Custer and thus try to trash this book. Custer has been ridiculed too much and too often, even in several Hollywood movies, of which "Little Big Man" is one of the worst. But this book is much more balanced in its treatment of Custer, matter-of-factly reporting his activities and movements without trying to lampoon him. Richly deserving criticism, and receiving it here, is Marcus Reno. But the author correctly does this by reporting the facts, not by lampooning him. Benteen was largely a failure too, slow to move when ordered, and ultimately disobeying Custer's final order. Gibbon and Terry had their own shortcomings. There were few heroes in this debacle, certainly none among the commanding officers.
I was most disappointed with the poor maps. I tried to follow the text on the several small maps scattered thruout the book, with less than complete success, but eventually concluded that the maps were so vague because the actual positions cannot be known for certain. The larger maps on the endpapers were too insetted to be of much value.
I was also looking for more discussion of the Indian accounts of the action. What was provided was more sparse than I expected. Also, there was no enumeration of the casualties among the Indians, unless it was hidden somewhere in the extensive notes. I thought that the Notes could have been halved by incorporating many of them into the text. An appendix naming all known casualties on both sides would have been a nice addition. All in all, these are minor criticisms, not enough to prevent me from giving this engrossing book five stars.

I anxiously read the trade description of the new book, A TERRIBLE GLORY. Over the years the Battle of the Little Bighorn or Custer's Last Stand or The Greasy Grass Fight--whatever one chooses to call it--had become a hobby of mine and, so, the addition of yet another volume to the saga, especially one that boasted being "the first to call upon all the significant research and findings of the past twenty-five years--which have changed significantly how this controversial event is perceived" was enthusiastically welcomed.

What unfolded was anticlimactic at best and a disappointment at worst. Nothing here added to what I already knew about the event. As I read I was sure that one of the final chapters would specifically note recent research and show how it "changed significantly how this controversial event is perceived." Nothing materialized. No new archeological findings. No new revelations about why Custer did what he did. Nothing!

Perhaps the author, James Donovan, expected his work to be read by Little Bighorn neophytes only. As such the work would have been "significant" in that it would introduce newcomers to a history of the event. I suspect, though, that, given the way this unfortunate chapter in Western history has been visited and revisited, again and again, Donovan realized that his work would only attract readers, especially those who have voraciously consumed everything available on the subject, by offering bait, though exaggerated at best, that would bring them to the table. There may have been information released over the last quarter century about the subject. Apparently, given what the author provides here, it included facts that simply substantiated what was already known.

I was especially troubled by what seems a huge faux pas on Donovan's part in relating facts, as he knew them, regarding Custer's death. Arguments have raged for decades as to whether it was possible that the General committed suicide when he recognized that there was no hope of victoriously emerging from the field. Accounts by Indian combatants attest that Custer did commit suicide while those who examined Custer's remains insist that the wounds on the General's person, especially the wound to the left temple of a right handed soldier, clearly indicate otherwise. Whatever the case, the information as to the wounds on Custer's body has been fairly consistent...until A TERRIBLE GLORY.

Beginning with the last paragraph on page 276 of the hardcover volume of Donovan's book, we read:

"Custer took a shot in his right breast that knocked him back. He dropped his rifle and drew his English bulldog pistols. Many of the men around him were dead when another bullet smashed into his right temple and killed him instantly."

The right side of his body, NOT his left! As I read this I thought that, perhaps, this was one of the new revelations, as promised, that Donovan had uncovered from his research. But, then, to my considerable dismay, the following surfaced on page 308 of the same edition:

"`He looked as natural as if sleeping,' remembered one officer--and his body bore two gunshot wounds, one to his left temple and the other near his left breast."

Frankly, such poor, inconsistent researching and writing was the last straw for me. Nowhere does Donovan state that these were inconsistencies that he encountered in his research. It just seems to be the result of shoddy organization. But, given the placement of the General's wounds and their part in assessing how he died and by whose hand, the mistake here is nearly unforgivable.

And so I disappointedly put this one aside.

For those looking for, what I feel is, the definitive account of the Custer tragedy, I recommend Evan S. Connell's excellent SON OF THE MORNING STAR.

THE HORSEMAN

As a long-time student of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the Plains Wars, this book is a travesty to be sold as well researched, etc. Donovan is so blatantly a Custer fan that he has altered, omitted and colored proven historical facts to portray Custer as a "scapegoat." Do not read this book with the intention of learning about the Battle of the Bighorn. This is like a fictional movie script to glorify a proven buffoon and military criminal.

This book is a well researched and comprehensive history of the Battle of Little Bighorn, its back history and subsequent events. The author does a good job of providing historical perspective by providing just enough background on the key figures, without detracting from the focus of the book itself, the days immediately preceding and following the battle.

It is true that the author takes a very kind view of Custer, seeking to deflect much of the blame for the event on both his superiors and his subordinates. He does not, however, completely absolve Custer and presents a relatively well organized and presented argument for his position.

While much can be faulted in the performance of Terry, Reno and Benteen, the ultimate responsibility for the results of the battle must rest with Custer. It should not be forgotten, however, that while the reader, and historians, are presented with detailed maps, timelines and the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, none of these luxuries was available to Custer or the other actors in the drama.

Was Custer reckless and impetuous? Certainly, but the absence of such characteristics in a cavalry officer fighting plains Indians most times resulted in a lack of results. History had highlighted few times that cavalry was able to identify and attack a massed Indian force. To wait, after locating such a force would have likely resulted in a repeat of past history; the dispersal and melting away of the targeted enemy.

Unknown to Custer and his subordinates was the size, scope and fighting spirit of the Sioux at Little Bighorn. While he had received intelligence on the size of the encampment, such intelligence was conflicting and not usually completely reliable. Virtually no one, not in the Seventh Cavalry, not in the Army in general, and certainly not in the country at large, could possibly conceive of an Indian force capable of defeating Custer's army.

While the performance of Reno and Benteen can be faulted, and the later inquiry was certainly a stage managed farce, it is difficult to argue that alternate actions by the forces under their command could have done anything but expand the scope of the slaughter. Reno, a confirmed alcoholic who likely was drunk throughout the battle could have done little to improve the performance of the troops under his command once overwhelmed by vastly superior numbers. While his retreat and repositioning could have been more orderly and better executed, it did at least manage to save many of the soldiers in his command.

Benteen, on the other hand, in command of a fresh regiment and in possession of orders to advance and provide support for Custer's forces, somehow escaped as the hero of the battle. No explanation was ever provided as to why these orders were disregarded.

In any event, Custer's last stand and the Battle of Little Bighorn have become historical legend and provided the last gasp of the Lakota Sioux in the long effort of the United States government to subjogate the plains Indians and settle the Dakota Territory. This book is a very good overview of the events leading to and following that legendary clash.

I believe there are more books on the Battle of the Little Bighorn than on any other event in North American history. Why another? Well, this is the one I would recommend to anyone new to the topic, who is really curious about the battle, or the events leading up to it and following it, or the participants. The author has a masterly command of the sources, a clear and vigorous literary style, and great insight into what background the reader needs, to understand some of the situations. For example, what cavalry tactics had worked best against the Plains Indians up to this point? Just how did the Indians normally respond to the various possible cavalry tactics?

I note that the author silently omits use of any potential source material which in his judgment is spurious... for example, the many contradictory tall tales of Curly the scout.

More than any other book on the battle known to me, this one also emphasizes and documents the complete incompetence and continual drunkenness of Reno. From a couple of short books I've read, written later by troopers of the 7th Cavalry, I glean that in fact Reno was already visibly and openly slurping from a large bottle of whiskey even as he was riding out of the fort on the way to Destiny, although this is not mentioned by the present author.

As a broad survey of the events leading up to the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the battle itself, and its aftermath, this book is hard to beat. It sets a very, very high mark for later authors to shoot for.

This book was hard to put down and did a great job with the background information needed to understand the battle and what happened after the battle. I became interested in this topic when my family visited the battlefield twice in the 1970's. On one of these visits I discovered the grave of Marcus Reno in the national cemetary on the battlefield grounds. The author states that Reno was buried in an unmarked grave in Washington. At some point his remains were moved to this cemetary. I'm not sure this is where Reno would have wanted to spend eternity......

A few reviewers are making a big deal out of the discovery of a few factual errors in A TERRIBLE GLORY. Here's a revelation: this is a 500-page book of history. Every big historical book contains some errors--you can find them in David McCullough, too. It happens. But don't let that blind you to the fact that this is an excellent book.

How do I know? Because I've read TONS of books on the subject. There are some good ones. But this is the only one I've read that tells the entire story (including much-needed background to show how we got to that point in 1876, and what happened afterwards such as the Reno Court of Inquiry in 1879) and synthesizes all the material that's been out there for years, all the groundbreaking new findings and interpretations of the past 25 years of Fox, Scott, Michno, Donahue, Hardoff, etc. (and there have been a lot--several major archaeological digs, closer examination of the Indian accounts, forensic work, etc.), and some fine new research (in a very well-plowed field) to create what I think is simply the best overall book on the subject.

Yes, the author has come up with some new interpretations of the big mystery--what happened to Custer and his battalion. But in my opinion they're solidly researched, and seem to be as likely, or likelier, than any other versions I've seen. Speaking of research, there are 83 pages of endnotes. The author did his homework--there doesn't seem to be anything in the field he hasn't looked at, and new sources that I haven't seen cited anywhere. Has anyone ever looked at all the old Chicago newspapers (besides the Times accounts) that covered the Reno Court of Inquiry? I don't think so. To my knowledge those proceedings have never been dramatized--Tom Bookwalter's pamphlet on the subject, HONOR TARNISHED, was a fine examination, but nothing on this level. I found the Reno Court chapter one of the most fascinating in the book.

And I'm impressed with the author's objectivity. Yes, he shows the shortcomings of Reno and Benteen, and several other officers. But he doesn't go on rants about them, such as tainted the otherwise excellent TO HELL WITH HONOR. Donovan simply chronicles what they did and lets the reader decide who's at fault. And he doesn't let Custer off the hook--he doesn't put him on a pedestal. He makes it clear that Custer made mistakes, and was far from perfect. Overall, I think his point is that it was a team loss, as they say in sports. There was plenty of blame to go around.

Finally, I must say this is the best-written and entertaining account of the battle and the events surrounding it I've ever read. The writing is clear and unadorned. (No one's Evan Connell, but SON OF THE MORNING STAR is in no way a straightforward account of the battle.) But this author humanizes the battle, and the character sketches (on both sides of the battle) are among the best I've seen --and he devotes a good deal of time to the Indian side, which rarely happens.

Good maps, too--the progress maps in the battle chapters are very helpful.

There is no doubt that Jim Donovan has the best word in research for a general-audience Little Bighorn work. He carefully documents his research, allows the reader to make his or her own assessments on many controversies of the battle and its background, and does a good job of presenting that background.

That said, Donovan's writing style, contrary to some reviewers' blurbs, while not necessarily pedestrian, is definitely stilted at times and also grating at times. For instance, I think I would have torn out what's left of my hair if I heard the phrase "dundreary Cooke" one more time.

Oh, and is copy editing becoming that lost of an art? Officers' titles do NOT capitalize, per either Chicago Manual for books or AP for media, but they're capitalizes all over the place in the book, something I found offputting and annoying.

This is nowhere near "Son of the Morning Star" stylistically. One other reviewer mentions "John Gray." I've not read his two works, but, from reviews of them, think they are "wanting" for some of the same reasons I have problems with Donovan -- too laudatory of Custer (see below).

But, let's get to the meat of the book.

While Custer's reputation, certainly among his surviving contemporaries in the Army officer corps, may have been more sinned against than sinning, Donovan's fulcrum for the book is a false dichotomy: Reno's cowardice/drunkenness/incompentence vs. Custer's incompetence/disobedience/arrogance.

There IS no dichotomy. Both are possible; more than that, both are actual, and were actual.

Yes, Terry's orders were discretionary. Nonetheless, if Custer had listened to his scouts, he might have waited a day for battle. If the Greasy Grass encampment started to scatter, he could pick off fair-sized chunks before it got too small. Also, of course, if had listened to his scouts, he never would have divided his forces.

And, yes, there was the hurry of battle, but the hurry was not so hurried for Custer to more carefully make his decisions and deployments. Most sinful of all was splitting his own five companies into two.

Well, maybe not retreating when he had the chance was the most sinful of all.

And, as one other reviewer argues, the "Custer luck" was by no means a sure thing before June 25, 1876. He escaped with not a lot more than his skin at Trevilian Station in 1864, as one other reviewer notes.

And, there are errors, not all of them mild.

Donovan says Custer was on post-war Reconstruction duty in Elizabethtown, Ky. As Kentucky never seceded (though a slave state), this was not Reconstruction duty.

He also glosses lightly over Custer's political activity in Reconstruction years. During the start of that time, he openly called for moderation toward the South.

Lesser errors: The Little Missouri flows into the Missouri, not the Yellowstone.1876 gave the Dems the first shot at winning an election in 16 years, not 20. President Monroe moved Indian tribes east of the Mississippi, not west, to Indian Territory.

Finally, the book is a hybrid. It attempts to background Custer without doing as well as it could, and it attempts to go more in-depth into the battle itself than, say, Connell, without doing as well as a more technical book.

Even as I write this review, I've been wavering on the 3/4 star border. But, because too many people have uncritically five-starred it, and reviews on Amazon don't happen in a vacuum, "A Terrible Glory" falls to three stars.

Beyond reviewing it in light of other reviewers, this review has to be seen in light of expectations raised by professional reviewers, especially those fulsome in praise of Donovan's narrative as well as his research.

That said, if you approach this book with lowered expectations and a thirst to wrestle with issues at the Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass, this is a good opener.

For the larger historical picture, I recommend two classics: The Last Days of the Plains Indian, and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee. Among new books, from what I've read in reviews, Archaeology, History, and Custer's Last Battle,by Richard A. Fox, sounds like it is a definite read.

There is no doubt that Jim Donovan has the best word in research for a general-audience Little Bighorn work. He carefully documents his research, allows the reader to make his or her own assessments on many controversies of the battle and its background, and does a good job of presenting that background.

That said, Donovan's writing style, contrary to some reviewers' blurbs, while not necessarily pedestrian, is definitely stilted at times and also grating at times. For instance, I think I would have torn out what's left of my hair if I heard the phrase "dundreary Cooke" one more time.

Oh, and is copy editing becoming that lost of an art? Officers' titles do NOT capitalize, per either Chicago Manual for books or AP for media, but they're capitalizes all over the place in the book, something I found offputting and annoying.

This is nowhere near "Son of the Morning Star" stylistically. (One other reviewer mentions "John Gray" but the only author by that name I find is the pseudopsychologist.)

But, let's get to the meat of the book.

While Custer's reputation, certainly among his surviving contemporaries in the Army officer corps, may have been more sinned against than sinning, Donovan's fulcrum for the book is a false dichotomy: Reno's cowardice/drunkenness/incompentence vs. Custer's incompetence/disobedience/arrogance.

There IS no dichotomy. Both are possible; more than that, both are actual, and were actual.

Yes, Terry's orders were discretionary. Nonetheless, if Custer had listened to his scouts, he might have waited a day for battle. If the Greasy Grass encampment started to scatter, he could pick off fair-sized chunks before it got too small. Also, of course, if had listened to his scouts, he never would have divided his forces.

And, yes, there was the hurry of battle, but the hurry was not so hurried for Custer to more carefully make his decisions and deployments. Most sinful of all was splitting his own five companies into two.

Well, maybe not retreating when he had the chance was the most sinful of all.

And, as one other reviewer argues, the "Custer luck" was by no means a sure thing before June 25, 1876. He escaped with not a lot more than his skin at Trevilian Station in 1864, as one other reviewer notes.

And, there are errors, not all of them mild.

Donovan says Custer was on post-war Reconstruction duty in Elizabethtown, Ky. As Kentucky never seceded (though a slave state), this was not Reconstruction duty.

He also glosses lightly over Custer's political activity in Reconstruction years. During the start of that time, he openly called for moderation toward the South.

Lesser errors: The Little Missouri flows into the Missouri, not the Yellowstone.1876 gave the Dems the first shot at winning an election in 16 years, not 20. President Monroe moved Indian tribes east of the Mississippi, not west, to Indian Territory.

Finally, the book is a hybrid. It attempts to background Custer without doing as well as it could, and it attempts to go more in-depth into the battle itself than, say, Connell, without doing as well as a more technical book.

Even as I write this review, I've been wavering on the 3/4 star border. But, because too many people have uncritically five-starred it, and reviews on Amazon don't happen in a vacuum, "A Terrible Glory" falls to three stars.

Beyond reviewing it in light of other reviewers, this review has to be seen in light of expectations raised by professional reviewers, especially those fulsome in praise of Donovan's narrative as well as his research.

That said, if you approach this book with lowered expectations and a thirst to wrestle with issues at the Little Bighorn/Greasy Grass, this is a good opener.

For the larger historical picture, I recommend two classics: The Last Days of the Plains Indian, and Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.

I can add little to what others have said, other than to contribute one more five-star ranking. It may be hard to believe that anyone at this late date could offer anything new about the Battle of the Little Bighorn, but Donovan does and he does it well--covering both sides, which is in itself unique in this overcharged area of writing.

Personally, I don't believe Custer walked on water as the author would led us to believe. Also from my extensive research, the author's description of the characters involved was very misleading and inaccurate. For instance, Capt. Benteen knew the difference between a lousy commander and a good one, which explains his mistrust and dislike of Custer. Also for every historical source that stated Custer was popular with his troops, there are ten other sources that states the opposite. Moreover, much of Custer's glorified military record during the Civil War was contrived at best. Let's face it, Custer was very apt at blowing his own horn, while kissing up to his superiors. Generally, I was hoping for a more balanced account, which wasn't forthcoming.

This ably written popular history of the U. S. Army's 1876 campaign against the Sioux and Cheyanne clearly targets the general reader more than readers familiar with the wars against the Plains Indians. This is shown by the author's provision of considerable background material designed to familiarize the reader with the situation facing the combatants in 1876. This includes summaries of the careers of the main personalities on both sides, the history of the unceasing pressure on the Sioux and other tribes from the 1860's on, the Indian way of life and method of fighting (and the US military's contemptuous lack of understanding of the same), the lack of training and experience among US soldiers, the frequently poor quality of the soldiers themselves, the often bitter dislikes and rivalries among the Army's officers and the high degree of racism and greed that fueled the Plains wars. Much of this can only be sketched because a single volume of 401 pages of text prevents detailed exposition of this general background (interested readers can find more detailed information on these subjects relatively easily). All of this material and more will be familiar to readers knowledgeable about the destruction of the Plains tribes.

The book is a narrative of the facts much more than an analysis of the events, although Donovan does comment on some factors such as Reno's failures both in the valley and on the hill and Custer's repeated splitting of his 660 man force in the face of greatly superior numbers. Donovan does a good job of evaluating the often conflicting factual evidence. In the end, he cannot fully solve the mystery of why Custer did what he did for the simple reason that neither Custer nor any of the key officers who accompanied him on his last foray were around to explain their actions. Donovan does occasionally make some educated guesses on the "whys" that are reasonably insightful and he is good at providing information and letting the reader draw his own conclusions. For example he discusses the success that US foces had enjoyed against Plains tribes although often fighting greatly superior numbers, notes the Army's lack of understanding of how the Indians fought (particularly their reluctance to "stand and fight" to the end with the heavy losses entailed thereby, a tactic that demographics made impossible for the tribes but that the soldiers often mistook for cowardice) and explains the elementary tactics that had so often brought the Army success.

Donovan is particularly good in discussing Reno's conduct during his badly handled attack in the valley and later in the makeshift position on the hill. He carefully weighs the evidence but, aside from showing that Reno was probably drinking heavily throughout the engagements, pretty much lets the reader evaluate the facts for himself. These fights had plenty of survivors, many of whom had strong opinions (mostly hostile to Reno and laudatory of Benteen). Most were willing to share them with fiends and Army cronies but were not willing to speak frankly for official purposes. Some were concerned about their own conduct, some feared making professional enemies and all were concerned about the image of the regiment and the Army generally. The Army brass also wanted to look good. All concerned were only too willing to participate in a whitewash at the Reno Court of Inquiry, although they continued to blister Reno privately for many years after. The Army set up the dead Custer as the scapegoat, calling him rash, overly aggressive, a glory hunter and accusing him of failing to follow orders. Custer certainly made mistakes (plenty) but so did many others, including his superiors. None of the senior campaign leaders (Crook, Gibbon and Terry) performed particularly well in the campaign and much could arguably be laid at their respective doors. In context, Custer's blunders are understandable if, in the end, perhaps not forgiveable.

The book then traces the aftermath in summary form to and including the 7th Cav's Wounded Knee attack on surrendering Indians and the events surrounding it. This part of the book again covers a lot of ground, including Libbie Custer,s efforts to remedy what she saw as the injustices to her dead husband and the subsequent careers of some of the main survivors. Again this is done briefly, probably again for reasons of space.

In short, James Donovan tries to provide the general reader with all he needs to know about the 1876 campaign, its culminating disaster and its aftermath. Overall he does a good job. He has pursued the evidence and evaluated it well with no unfair axes to grind. He is especially good at using the evidence of lower ranking officers, common soldiers and Indian witnesses (including those serving with the US Army). His writing is clear and readable. This is an excellent overview for anyone wanting basic facts and knowledge and it provides an excellent start for those interested enough to want to pursue the issues themselves.

I hate to sound like a hackneyed reviewer, but I've just finished James Donovan's book, and that's the (inadequate) phrase that springs to mind.

The research is stunning and the comparative analysis truly important. The narrative is handled deftly, with great confidence, and more than a little elegance. Donovan is a helluva writer.

This is a topic I knew little about beyond the myths we all grew up with and a handful of books read over the years. But this book draws one in quickly and refuses to let go. The characters come alive, the events unfold with a cinematic sweep, and beneath it all, the deep research reassures that the only agenda at work here is to tell a fascinating story with balance and a strict adherence to the knowable truth.

And the last line is a killer.

Did you know that Custer was at Gettysburgh? I didn't. Did you know he was one of the top calvary generals of the civil war? I didn't either, but I learned these and many other facts about his life leading up to the battle of Little Big Horn. This is a very well told, very read-able tale of Custer's life. This is a very interesting history book, I learned a lot and enjoyed reading it very much.

Among other things this effort by author James Donovan teaches us that the United States army was underpaid, ill-equipped, and for the most part made up of untrained individuals in Indian fighting. Officers such as Custer, Marcus Reno, Frederick Benteen, George Crook, and others were, to use Doris Kearns Goodwin's term for Lincoln's cabinet, a team of rivals with jealously and hatred brimming to the surface. Author Donovan brings out the personalities of the key individuals involved from the Civil War, the Battle of the Washita in 1868, to the Little Big Horn in 1876, and ultimately to the massacre at Wounded knee, South Dakota, in 1890. Great detail is provided regarding the ill-fated ride into the Greasy Grass where Custer divided his regiment and whether or not he disobeyed orders. Author Donovan feels Custer did disobey orders, but Custer was given permission to use his discretion to do what he felt best since he had fought Indians previously. Did Custer ride his men too hard when he realized he had been spotted by the Indians when a rest would have been more appropriate? Should Custer have divided his regiment? Did Reno's retreat contribute to Custer's annihilation? How much was Reno in possession of his faculties (drunk)? when he should have taken a leadership role in his retreat? Did Benteen dawdle in following Custer's order to come to his aid, or was he correct to remain with Reno when he saw Reno's desperate situation? It was interesting to read that Custer's men shot their horses to get some protection to fend off their attackers. This illustrates how desperate the men viewed their situation since to remain on the plains without transportation was a death sentence in itself. A court of inquiry regarding Reno's behavior at Chicago's Palmer House Hotel exonerated Reno's behavior. When Chief Sitting Bull was murdered on December 15, 1890, The New York Times wrote, with apologies to General Philip Sheridan, that Sitting Bull is now "a good Indian." The book concludes with the Wounded Knee massacre on December 29, 1890, and the author speculates what prompted the shooting that led to this infamous incident in American history. Eighteen members of the army were awarded the Medal of Honor for their role in this slaughter. American history is not often pleasant, but this is a book you need to include in your library.

I have a shelf full of Little Big Horn Campaign, 1876, material, from Custer to the Indians to the archaeology of the battle, many from University of Oklahoma Press. I need another book on this subject like I need to be older. Hah!

But after checking this book out from the local library I can only say that this book deserves at least a 5-star rating, shame it cannot be given more. It is a page turner, compelling a reader to finish the book quickly. I have my own copy now on order!

Usually I give much more in depth reviews, however, on this book, why waste the effort? It is the standard approach to the 1876 episode only offering a wider view than most. It begins well, too, directly inside the front cover is quite a map of the SIOUX WAR COUNTRY 1876, and actually it is 3 maps in one: Sioux War Country, The Battlefield, and Little Bighorn Campaign. Jeffrey L. Ward designed this map and in doing so, did the reader quite a favor. With other smaller, detail maps also included in the book as well.

I suggest this book will eventually take its place with only the best. It is one well written book chocked full of facts and pictures, and some rather unknown items, at least unknown to me: offers a clearer picture of Sitting Bull, his akicita of which Crow King and Gall were members, brings Inkpaduta's history into the battle, as well as offering more personal data for the leading characters. Didn't know Sheridan actually came from Ireland or that Armstrong almost fell into bankruptsy. Best to go out and get a copy of this one, judge for yourself just how good a book it is.

For me this book is a budding classic, and should be accepted as such by most well read readers of the 19th century military west. It may in time even become a standard work on the subject. But you do need to judge that for yourself.

I've been reading on this episode in the Powder River country for at least 40 years, and this book is one of the more notable ones I've had the pleasure to read. And yes, I have the Utley, Michno, Hutton, Gray, Kammen-Lefthand-Marshall, among others, but this book takes 2nd place to no other. Don't miss it, pardner.

Semper Fi.

I have a shelf full of Little Big Horn Campaign, 1876, material, from Custer to the Indians to the archaeology of the battle, many from University of Oklahoma Press. I need another book on this subject like I need to be older. Hah!

But after checking this book out from the local library I can only say that this book deserves at least a 5-star rating, shame it cannot be given more. It is a page turner, compelling a reader to finish the book quickly. I have my own copy now on order!

Usually I give much more in depth reviews, however, on this book, why waste the effort? It is the standard approach to the 1876 episode only offering a wider view than most. It begins well, too, directly inside the front cover is quite a map of the SIOUX WAR COUNTRY 1876, and actually it is 3 maps in one: Sioux War Country, The Battlefield, and Little Bighorn Campaign. Jeffrey L. Ward designed this map and in doing so, did the reader quite a favor.

I suggest this book will eventually take its place with only the best. It is one well written book chocked full of facts and pictures, and some rather unknown items, at least unknown to me: offers a clearer picture of Sitting Bull, his akicita of which Crow King and Gall were members, brings Inkpaduta's history into the battle, as well as offering more personal data for the leading characters. Didn't know Sheridan actually came from Ireland or that Armstrong almost fell into bankruptsy. Best to go out and get a copy of this one, judge for yourself just how good a book it is.

For me this book is a budding classic, and should be accepted as such by most well read readers of the 19th century military west. It may in time even become a standard work on the subject. But you do need to judge that for yourself.

I've been reading on this episode in the Powder River country for at least 40 years, and this book is one of the more notable ones I've had the pleasure to read. And yes, I have the Utley, Michno, Hutton, Gray, Kammen-Lefthand-Marshall, among others, but this book takes 2nd to none. Don't miss it, pardner.

Semper Fi.

I have a shelf full of Little Big Horn material, from Custer to the Indians to the archaeology of the battle. I need another book on this subject like I need to be older (64). Hah!

But after checking this out at the local library I can only say that this book deserves at least a 5-star rating, shame it cannot be given more. It is a page turner, having not wanted to cut off the light to go to sleep last evening.

Usually I give much more in depth reviews, however, on this book, why waste the effort? Go get a copy immediately, for the person who reads on the military west, especially northern plains military history, I suggest this book will eventually take its place with only the best. It is one well written book chocked full of facts and pictures, and some rather unknown items, at least unknown to me: Did Elizabeth really fool around? Did Sheridan fool around too with an Indian mistress? Well, don't you fool around, go out and get a copy, judge for yourself just how good a book it is. I will soon be doing the same, getting my own copy that is.

And a word to the wise: don't listen too much to other books people mention as being better, I saw one listed here that has been pretty much discredited as being as much fiction as fact! Be sure to read what YOU like, not what someone else likes or says you should like.

For me this book is a budding classic, and should be accepted as such by most well read readers of the 19th century military west. It may in time even become a standard work on the subject. But you do need to judge that for yourself.

Semper Fi.

of books on the battle in my opinion. If you could only read one this is the one I'd recommend. As a reader of American military history I got sucked into the Custer thing back in the 70's and early 80's. I read my required twenty or thirty books and visited the battlefield before I gladly extricated myself. Swearing to never read another, I went on to bigger and better things. I got talked into reading "Son of the Morning Star" when it first came out. It was okay but I had some problems with it. Again I swore "never again". I saw this book in the library, gritted my teeth, rolled my eyes and checked it out. I'm glad I did. A very well done narrative! I enjoyed it from beginning to end. It is a balanced, fair account of the battle. I thought his peliminary and final chapters were outstanding! Now to the "chapters we are all waiting for". It is the best account of what probably happened I've ever read. Other accounts past and future may disagree on certain points, and other accounts may be equally plausible but none are or will be better. No one will ever know for sure. But "Custer nuts" as we used to call them are the most obsessed of all the history nuts I've ever encountered and will continue to nit pick away for years to come. (Some of the most well read I've encountered have some of the wildest theorys! I think maybe you can get too close to a subject if you aren't careful!) The "Custer War" will rage on and on but for me, this IS the last book!!

The highest praise I can give to James Donovan's "A Terrible Glory" is that it reminded me of the work of Stephen Sears, whose Civil War campaign studies ("Landscape Turned Red," "Chancellorsville," and "Gettysburg") rank among the best works of their kind. Like Sears' work, Donovan's is extremely well-written which gives his book a sort of "it's so good I can't put it down" feel more often found among the best works of historical fiction than campaign studies. Thus, it can be recommended to the general reader. Also, like Sears, Donovan's research is impeccable which allows his book to be of interest to the hardcore buff.

Of course, whenever a new Custer or Little Big Horn book is published many ask: "Do we really need another?" In this instance, the answer is an emphatic: Yes! When was the last time a book on the campaign and battle of the Little Bighorn was published with the intention of appealing to the general public? ("Connell's "Son of the Morning Star" published almost 25 years ago?) In recent decades, most works focusing on this subject have been either extremely detailed treatises that are meant to be read by those already familiar with the subject (Gray, Michno, Fox ect.) or biographies of Custer which by their nature have limited space to deal with the Little Big Horn. Additionally, a new book on the subject of the Little Big Horn allows the author to gather together the exhaustive and brilliant research that has been done by others over the last few decades, which has completely reshaped the image of the battle, into a single volume. Therefore, this new book on the Little Big Horn was very much needed.

"A Terrible Glory" is a straightforward study of the campaign and battle of the Little Big Horn. It gives a brief history of the Indian wars, short biographical sketches of the main participants: Custer, Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and provides a fairly detailed background to the immediate causes of the campaign. However, the bulk of the book is about how the campaign was planned and conducted, including how political considerations shaped it, and the battle itself which theorizes the fate of Custer's five companies based on models that have arisen over the last few decades. Of course, Donovan's model is pure speculation since Custer's movements after Trumpeter Martin left him will always be based on conjecture. One surprising element of Donovan's model is his rejection of the Crow scout Curly being present with Custer's battalion, and therefore omits in the text any reference to Curly's version of events. In a lengthy endnote, Donovan put forth his sources for why he accepts the old school version that Curly was a liar rather than the more recent acceptance by some eminent Little Big Horn scholars of Curly's version of events. The book concludes with chapters on the Reno court of inquiry and the Ghost Dancing phenomenon which led to the massacre at Wounded Knee.

Like a Sears' book, Donovan's narrative has its share of villains and heroes. Custer ranks among the later. Although Donovan does raise issues as to some of Custer's decisions, it is still clear that he admires the General which is not out of step with current scholarship. Over the last few decades, many historians have found that the current popular image of GA Custer as a racist glory-monger does not jibe with the actual historical record, and Donovan follows suit. His Custer is shown as a capable combat commander who reacts to circumstances based on what he knew from fighting Indians in the past (ie. they would scatter rather than fight). Likewise Donovan presents admirable portraits of Sitting Bull and Crazy Horse as freedom fighters in the purest sense of the name. Not receiving admiration are Custer's chief subordinates: Major Reno and Captain Benteen. Benteen comes across as brave and competent, but also as dishonest with a hatred of Custer that bordered on irrational. Donovan takes Benteen to task for his actions on June 25 by failing to follow a direct order, and then by lying about it during the Reno inquiry. However, Donovan's greatest scorn is heaped upon Marcus Reno whom he practically calls out as a drunken coward. (I'm sure that when the Benteen and Reno supporters read this book we'll see some one and two star reviews).

There are some quibbles: errors as to some officer ranks and Custer's wounds are described as being on his right side but later the wounds are described on his left side.

Overall, I found this to be a brilliant book. It combines an attention to detail with a great prose. It provides a detailed study of this legendary battle which can not only be absorbed by a reader just looking for a good book but also by buffs who can debate the validity of Donovan's analyses and his sources.

James Donovan has given us a refreshing and highly objective look at the most terrifying and mysterious day in Ameerican frontier history. He has refrained from both Custer-bashing and hero-gilding to produce what may well be the most insightful as well as entertaining Custer book of all.

Robert M. Anderson
Rockwall, TX
Author and fity-year Custer buff

being a history buff and read more then my share of books about the west this by far is the best ,the author does a excellant job explaining the war aganist the indians after the civil war,and the soldiers who carried it out .his take on custer and the soldiers of the 7th is the best i,ve read.

Brilliantly written...Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for [...], 4/08
The Indians assisted settlers, teaching them how to raise crops and even sharing their food with them. In return, the white man looked on the Indians as savages and treated them like animals. The American government, on more than one occasion, cheated the Indians. Eventually, the Indians fought back. Custer's reputation grew as an Indian fighter.
A Terrible Glory is a history buff's dream come true. James Donovan carefully researched the Battle of Little Bighorn. He considered recent findings. While we can never be certain what happened June 25, 1876, we can speculate. A Terrible Glory is written brilliantly. This book is hard to put down. There are over 500 pages, and yet the book is mesmerizing to the end. The photographs add much to the text. They make this tiny bit of history come alive. Donovan aptly describes the battle and aftermath. "There were skulls to crush, eyes to tear out, muscle and tendons to sever, limbs to hack off, and heads to separate from bodies." A Terrible Glory will fascinate many. History buffs should rush out and get their copy today.

Custer creates problems for me. I recognize that he was an inspiring combat commander and built one of the better fighting units in the Civil War. He was willing to take responsibility and do what he felt right in the face of orders to the contrary. His decision on July 3, 1863, helped the Union turn back Stuart's Cavalry and while not winning the battle it did not hurt either. Sheridan and most other high ranking officers thought well of him and used his services to good effect in the closing days of the war. On the other hand, Custer may not have been bright enough to understand details like flanks support or take the time to consider the size of the opposing force. In the end, these details killed him and destroyed his command.
James Donovan is as close to a Little Bighorn expert as we have, this is his latest and I think best book on the subject. As always, he does an excellent job giving us an intelligently written comprehensive account. This is a full account with background, campaign details and aftermath. This makes the battle all the more interesting with a full story. This is a good looking book, the maps a in the right places with good detail.

I have read several books on Custer's Last Stand. Some good, some bad.
This is probably one of the best books I have read on the subject.
Mr. Donovan writes a history that is how history should be taught.
He tells a story, from the antecendents thru the battle itself on to the aftermath and the consequences. Simetimes I found myself on the trail with the 7th.
Mr. Donovan provides an even handed approach to Custer although Reno does not fare to well.
I found the book hard to put down even though I knew the ending.

As one who has followed Custer for over 50 years, and has read and collected much of the literature on him and his "Last Stand," I am most pleased with Jim Donovan's excellent new book. He has done his homework and found new resources to tell a familiar tale without the bias of many authors. Anyone who found "Son of the Morning Star" by Evan Connell as a good book, does not know how to write history because it has no footnotes and structure. But Mr. Donovan has explored the many sources, known and unknown, on the subject and has provided the reader with a lively narrative based on those sources. His book will be a lasting contribution to the literature, and can be a wonderful work for beginners or for those seasoned campaigners of the subject!

Vincent A. Heier
St. Louis, MO

According to the old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover." In this case, you most definitely can! Many books fail to catch the bookstore browser's eye because of a poorly designed dust-jacket. So let me begin by offering high compliments to Nneka Bennett for designing an absolutely stunning, poetic, eye-catching dust-jacket for Mr. Donovan's book. Even the spine is eye-catching, for those stores that annoyingly stock their shelves spine-out rather than cover-up: your eye can't fail to notice this one! It is a haunting cover for a haunting story, one that has haunted the American psyche ever since it happened on a sun-baked, blood-drenched ridge in Montana territory, June 25, 1876. One of this new book's many strengths is that it has no axe to grind: it simply does a Joe Friday and offers unto the reader "just the facts" - but it is in the tellng of those facts that Mr. Donovan shines. Although anyone familiar with the Custer's Last Stand saga already knows the outcome, it is Mr. Donovan's power as a writer that we turn the pages wondering...what comes next! The book is the literary equivalent of the old TV series "You Are There." And we ARE there, in the saddle with the Seventh - especially when the '76 Campaign gets underway. This is an excellent book, a gripping read, a page-turner. There are a few minor flaws, however. I don't think Mr. Donovan gives the general reader enough of a sense of Custer's truly vital importance at Gettysburg which would most likely have ended quite differently if Stuart's cavalry was NOT stopped by Custer. There is also a teasing mention of Custer's infidelities, but no mention is made of the alleged affair and subsequent child he may have had with the mysterious Monahseetah. Also, unless I missed something, I saw no approximation of Indian casualties at Little Bighorn. There is also confusion as to where Custer was fatally wounded: on page 276, the gunshot locations are described as being to "his right breast" and "his right temple"....yet on page 308 the gunshot wounds are described as being to "his left temple" and "his left breast." Which were they? The dubious question of Custer's possible suicide is also not addressed...even to refute it as highly unlikely. We are told the fates of most of the principal players in the saga: yet General Terry's eventual outcome is curiously overlooked. The same might be said of Keogh's mount Comanche: we would have liked to know more of the horse's subsequent veneration by the 7th. The photographic section is also less than compelling: there is only one photo of Custer - and that is the commonly printed one, the most famous picture of him, yet one of him from later years (closer to the time of his last battle) would have been welcomed; as would some views of the battlefied locations and perhaps one of the earliest artistic depictions as well. And while not strictly a primary source, surely Evan Connell's excellent "Son of the Morning Star" might have been listed in the bibliography. Having said all this, however - A TERRIBLE GLORY is undeniably a TERRIFIC BOOK and should be read by anyone with even a cursory curiosity about Custer and our country's history. I didn't want the book to end - and that is a sure sign of a successful read. Now, living in Texas as Mr. Donovan does...I can only hope he "attacks" the Alamo as a future project.

According to the old adage "You can't judge a book by its cover." In this case, you most definitely can! Many books fail to catch the bookstore browser's eye because of a poorly designed dust-jacket. So let me begin by offering high compliments to Nneka Bennett for designing an absolutely stunning, poetic, eye-catching dust-jacket for Mr. Donovan's book. Even the spine is eye-catching, for those stores that annoyingly stock their shelves spine-out rather than cover-up: your eye can't fail to notice this one! It is a haunting cover for a haunting story, one that has haunted the American psyche ever since it happened on a sun-baked, blood-drenched ridge in Montana territory, June 25, 1876. One of this new book's many strengths is that it has no axe to grind: it simply does a Joe Friday and offers unto the reader "just the facts" - but it is in the tellng of those facts that Mr. Donovan shines. Although anyone familiar with the Custer's Last Stand saga already knows the outcome, it is Mr. Donovan's power as a writer that we turn the pages wondering...what comes next! The book is the literary equivalent of the old TV series "You Are There." And we ARE there, in the saddle with the Seventh - especially when the '76 Campaign gets underway. This is an excellent book, a gripping read, a page-turner. There are a few minor flaws, however. I don't think Mr. Donovan gives the general reader enough of a sense of Custer's truly vital importance at Gettysburg which would most likely have ended quite differently if Stuart was NOT stopped by Custer. There is also a teasing mention of Custer's infidelies, but no mention is made of the alleged affair and subsequent child he may have had with the mysterious Monahseetah. Also, unless I missed something, I saw no approximation of Indian casualties at Little Bighorn. There is also confusion as to where Custer was fatally wounded: on page 276, the gunshot locations are described as being to "his right breast" and "his right temple"....yet on page 308 the gunshot wounds are described as being to "his left temple" and "his left breast." Which were they? The dubious question of Custer's possible suicide is also not addressed...even to refute it as highly unlikely. We are told the fates of most of the principal players in the saga: yet General Terry's eventual outcome is curiously overlooked. The same might be said of Keogh's mount Comanche: we would have liked to know more of the horse's subsequent veneration by the 7th. The photographic section is also less than compelling: there is only one photo of Custer - and that is the commonly printed one, the most famous picture of him, yet one of him from later years (closer to the time of his last battle) would have been welcomed; as would some views of the battlefied locations and perhaps one of the earliest artistic depictions as well. And while not strictly a primary source, surely Evan Connell's excellent "Son of the Morning Star" might have been listed in the bibliography. Having said all this, however - A TERRIBLE GLORY is undeniably a TERRIFIC BOOK and should be read by anyone with even a cursory curiosity about Custer and our country's history. I didn't want the book to end - and that is a sure sign of a successful read. Now, living in Texas as Mr. Donovan does...I can only hope he "attacks" the Alamo as a future project.

The latest book on Custer and Little Bighorn, James Donovan's A Terrible Glory is a popular history which compliments existing literature, but fails to add new information on the subject. The book begins with a pedestrian, though thankfully brief, history of Indian relations with the U.S. government and then introduces the reader to Custer. Donovan's enthusiasm for the "Boy General" is a bit disconcerting as he paints a picture of Custer as an almost universally loved figure despite, Donovan notes, his tendency to be tyrannical. Custer's rash behavior is often overlooked and woefully under analyzed by the author. The book continues to chronologically precede forward, following the Seventh Cavalry on their trek towards disaster, the ensuing massacre, the Reno Court of Inquiry, and a very brief overview of Wounded Knee. Little of what Donovan presents is new or fresh. His writing, unfortunately, is somewhat sub-par for a poplar history and is often repetitive. Such as when he points out several times that Custer and several others were not scalped because they had their hair cut short before they left. It is admirable that Donovan does try to give a voice to individuals who have often been overlooked by past accounts, such as the average trooper in the Seventh Cavalry, but it is not enough to make this a five star book. Having read the book, I would wait for the paperback edition or go to the library rather than purchase the hardcover edition.

If I were to recommend one book on Custer and Little Bighorn, I would still pick Evan S. Connell's Son of the Morning Star over A Terrible Glory because of its exceptional writing, overwhelming attention to historical detail, and analysis.

The latest book on Custer and Little Bighorn, James Donovan's A Terrible Glory is a popular history which compliments existing literature, but fails to add new information on the subject. The book begins with a pedestrian, though thankfully brief, history of Indian relations with the U.S. government and then introduces the reader to Custer. Donovan's enthusiasm for the "Boy General" is a bit disconcerting as he paints a picture of Custer as an almost universally loved figure despite, Donovan notes, his tendency to be tyrannical. Custer's rash behavior is often overlooked and under analyzed by the author. The book continues to chronologically precede forward, but little of what Donovan presents is new or fresh. His writing, unfortunately, is somewhat sub-par for a poplar history. It is admirable that Donovan does try to give a voice to individuals who have often been overlooked by past accounts, such as the immigrants who served in the 7th Cavalry, but it is not enough to make this a five star book. If I were to recommend one book on Custer and Little Bighorn, I would still pick Evan S. Connell's Son of the Morning Star over A Terrible Glory.

When I saw a new book listed for publication on the topic of the Little Bighorn Battle a few months ago I was enthused. Let's face it, for those of us committed to this historical event, there's never enough to read. A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn-The Last Great Battle of the America West doesn't disappoint either.

James Donovan's treatment is fair and detailed. As pointed out in other reviews, there is a lot of information included. Donovan also avoids the traps sprung on so many modern historians when they attempt to moralize the battle, Custer, and the U.S. Army. It has been well established after the digs of the 1980's that, contrary to so many theories, the 7th Cavalry was not well armed, and from modern analysis of the battle field did not conduct themselves as a well trained unit would have. Donovan uses this information, and also guardingly includes the accounts of the Indians present at the battle.

I also have to compliment Donovan on his ability to provide context to the battle itself and to the United States at the time. His ability to provide strong narrative also makes the book read like a novel at times. In places, A Terrible Glory is a real page turner.

The copious and well organized notes will also be of interest to the serious student of the battle. A Terrible Glory isn't for the casual reader though it is written in an easy style. Well researched and even handed, A Terrible Glory is highly recommended.

A superior new book on the famous Little Bighorn Campaign based on primary sources and more recent historical analysis culminating in a very reasonable account of what happened to Custer's battalion once it descended into Medicine Trail Coulee. The author is a very gifted writer and his descriptions are so fluent that the book does read virtually like a well written novel. Donovan starts with a fast paced history of the Indians on the North American continent that directly leads to the Sioux and their current state of affairs in 1875-1876. Their history includes their migration west as they split from their eastern brethren, the post Civil War Red Cloud War that includes the emergence of Crazy Horse and later background information on Sitting Bull. The bio information on Custer is fast paced and accurate as the author moves you forward through his career with brief effective bios of the key members of his regiment that are key to the Little Bighorn battle. Within 100 pages, the author has you well familiar with the situation, the political and the military and the next 300 pages of text are loaded with information on the campaign preparation and the campaign as it unfolds. For the well familiar, the essential information leading to the divided commands will not be to new but the documentation and source material is excellent but the exciting part of the read is what is revealed when Custer reaches the bluffs, signals to Reno in the valley and proceeds to a northern attack point leaving his last white witness, the courier Martin, as his battalion descends toward the river. Donovan describes a very rational Custer who is anxious to stay on the offensive while apparently realizing that Reno's attack has collapsed but also knowing that Benteen's battalion should be arriving soon, a fact that many historians do not seem to give enough credit particularly since Custer's brother Boston had passed Benteen on his way to reach his brother and had done so by this time. The final actions of Custer's battalion heed an excellent mix of views by notable historians such as Greg Michno's (Lakota Noon) and Dr. Richard Fox (Archaeology, History, and Custer's Last Battle). Notable in that the Indian point of view is well presented such as those researched not only by Michno but by Richard G. Hardoff's series of researched Indian testimonies. What is quite rational in this analysis is that Custer, who was famous for adapting to situations tactically from the saddle was adapting as circumstances changed. He ordered up support and expected it to be coming promptly and he reorganized his battalion based on that premis. But the failure of support left him in the obvious vulnerable situation leading to the demise of his complete battalion. Although the division of his last battalion has been roundly criticized by many historians, his logical reasons for doing so are well defined by Donovan and linked to his expectation of command consolidation. The circumstances of Reno's rout from the valley and the intense battle on Reno Hill with Benteen taking nominal command is well described including Reno stopping Benteen from supporting Custer with Benteen's easy acceptance. The author provides an excellent description of Reno's total lack of action to support Custer, Reno's alledged drinking and the unauthorized uncoordinated but too late attempt at support by Lt. Weir. The only thing lacking in the description of Reno's actions on the hill and in the later court of inquiry was the failure to address the significant time sequences that were misrepresented by Reno, Benteen and Wallace to make it appear that they would not have been able to aid Custer if they tried. Donovan over the last 100 pages covers the controversies of the battle extremely well, the post Bighorn careers particularly of Reno and Benteen, the 7th as a whole, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse and a wonderful summary of the Reno court of inquiry that is fascinating. Donovan makes note that the Little Bighorn was an embarrassment to the army particularly since funding was at stake at the time of the inquiry. Although well documented in many other books, such as "Abcs of Custer's Last Stand: Arrogance, Betrayal and Cowardice" by Arthur C. Unger, the author provides an excellent discussion for the reasons for collusion among the officer's testifying. One motivation was not just for the good of the regiment but that many of the surviving officers performed poorly, although Benteen was brave during the siege he never answered Custer's order for support. One obvious hint that the army wanted the inquiry a whitewash was the appointment of Lt. Jesse Lee as the recorder (investigating legal counsel) although Lee was not an attorney, had limited experience and was not a Judge Advocate. Donovan does not tell this history with an extended argument as many of the more analytical books do and are quite fascinating but he takes what to him are the most logical and reasonable documented occurrences that lead to his forthright description of the destruction of Custer's battalion left along on battle ridge. The research is so well done that even the foot notes are worth reading. A better reference map for the Indian village would have helped understand where various Indian parties were before and during the attack. Overall, this is one of the best books on the Little Big Horn campaign and controversy.

A superior new book on the famous Little Bighorn Campaign based on primary sources and more recent historical analysis culminating in a very reasonable account of what happened to Custer's battalion once it descended into Medicine Tail Coulee. The author is a very gifted writer and his descriptions are so fluent that the book, although excellent history, does read virtually like a well written novel. Donovan starts with a fast paced history of the Indians on the North American continent that directly leads to the Sioux and their current state of affairs in 1875-1876. Their history includes their migration west as they split from their eastern brethren, the post Civil War Red Cloud War that includes the emergence of Crazy Horse and later background information on Sitting Bull. The bio information on Custer is fast paced and accurate as the author moves you forward through his career with brief effective bios of the key members of his regiment that are key to the Little Bighorn battle. Within 100 pages, the author has you well familiar with the situation, the political and the military and the next 300 pages of text are loaded with information on the campaign preparation and the campaign as it unfolds. For the well familiar, the essential information leading to the divided commands will not be to new but the documentation and source material is excellent but the exciting part of the read is what is revealed when Custer reaches the bluffs, signals to Reno in the valley and proceeds to a northern attack point leaving his last white witness, the courier Martin, as his battalion descends toward the river. Donovan describes a very rational Custer who is anxious to stay on the offensive while apparently realizing that Reno's attack has collapsed but also knowing that Benteen's battalion should be arriving soon, a fact that many historians do not seem to give enough credit particularly since Custer's brother Boston had passed Benteen on his way to reach his brother and has don