The Earth Is All That Lasts: Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, and the Last Stand of the Great Sioux Nation

Mark Lee Gardner's Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull: Their Lives and Times is a magisterial new history of the fierce final chapter of the Indian Wars, told through the lives of the two most legendary and consequential American Indian leaders. It reveals the complex and fascinating lives of these two Lakota chiefs, one a fabled warrior and the other a revered holy man, who together crushed George Armstrong Custer's vaunted Seventh Cavalry.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

A captivating and immersive new history of the intense final chapter of the Indian Wars, intricately woven through the lives of two legendary and profoundly influential American Indian leaders. This remarkable narrative takes us on a journey back to the era when vast herds of buffalo roamed the vast expanse of the American West, and when their nomadic people enjoyed the freedom to roam and wield their formidable fighting skills against rival Indian nations. However, beneath the surface of this seemingly idyllic existence, neither Crazy Horse nor Sitting Bull had ever experienced a world without the presence of whites. It was the fur traders and government explorers who first ventured into Sioux lands, marking the beginning of a relentless influx of white intruders. These included Oregon-California Trail travelers, gold seekers, railroad workers, settlers, and town builders, as well as the dreaded Bluecoats. The once-abundant buffalo population dwindled rapidly, and the spread of diseases brought by the white man caused devastating destruction to villages. Tensions with the interlopers grew increasingly fraught, culminating in a fateful confrontation on June 25, 1876, in the valley of the Little Big Horn.

Crazy Horse, a legendary warrior, and Sitting Bull, a revered holy man, united their forces and faced George Armstrong Custer's vaunted Seventh Cavalry. In a titanic clash, they emerged victorious, crushing Custer's army and securing a momentous victory for the Sioux. This extraordinary triumph, however, has often overshadowed the remarkable lives and legacies of these two extraordinary Indigenous leaders.

Mark Lee Gardner, an award-winning author, has dedicated years to conducting extensive research and delving into a wealth of previously ignored primary sources. In his masterful work, he presents the definitive chronicle of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull, thrillingly told and meticulously researched. Through his lens, we gain a deeper understanding of these extraordinary individuals and their complex lives, shedding light on their roles as leaders, warriors, and cultural stewards.

Born and raised on the High Plains of the American West, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull grew up in a world where vast herds of buffalo provided sustenance and a means of survival. Their nomadic lifestyle allowed them to roam freely, following the buffalo and showcasing their exceptional fighting prowess against their adversaries. However, the arrival of whites altered the course of their lives forever. Fur traders and government explorers were the first to penetrate Sioux lands, followed by a flood of white intruders who sought to exploit the land and its resources.

The buffalo population plummeted, and disease spread rapidly, decimating villages and devastating entire communities. The Sioux, who had long been in harmony with the land and its inhabitants, found themselves at a significant disadvantage as conflicts with the interlopers escalated. The introduction of firearms and the subsequent dominance of the white man further exacerbated the situation, leading to a tragic loss of life and cultural displacement.

Despite the challenges they faced, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull remained steadfast in their commitment to their people and their culture. They recognized the importance of unity and resistance against the oppressive forces of the white man. Their leadership and strategic thinking played a crucial role in securing victories against the Seventh Cavalry and other military forces.

However, their legendary victory at the Little Big Horn has often overshadowed the rest of their rich and complex lives. Gardner's work seeks to rectify this imbalance, providing a comprehensive and nuanced account of their lives, achievements, and struggles. Through his storytelling, we gain a deeper appreciation for the contributions of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull to American history and the enduring impact of their legacy on Indigenous communities.

In conclusion, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull were two extraordinary leaders who played pivotal roles in the final chapter of the Indian Wars. Their lives, marked by resilience, courage, and cultural significance, deserve to be celebrated and honored. Mark Lee Gardner's work, based on extensive research and a wealth of primary sources, offers a definitive chronicle of their lives, shedding light on their roles as leaders, warriors, and cultural stewards. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history, Indigenous cultures, and the enduring power of resistance.

Weight: 552g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780062669902