Custer's Thorn

[Scout]

There is a book advertisement in the latest lbha newsletter for "Custer's Thorn: The Life of Frederick W. Benteen" by J.C. Ladenheim. Anyone read this? I've been waiting for a good Benteen bio for some time...hope this is it.

[Scout]

OK...since no one has heard of the Benteen book has anyone know anything about the author...Ladenheim? Anyone know his credentials?

[elisabeth]

Haven't found any reviews anywhere; here's what the blurb on Amazon says:

"This book is offered as a concise biography of Frederick William Benteen, who saw service in the Civil War, at the Little Bighorn Battle, and in the subjugation of the Nez Perce. As a captain in the Seventh Cavalry, he was a pivotal character in the Custer saga. A study of Benteen¿s life can be daunting. The many letters he left behind support divergent views of his character. Throughout her long life, Custer¿s resourceful widow had unremitting contempt for Benteen, which she made no effort to conceal. Even today, his detractors are many. He may well be faulted for a long list of character defects¿but never for want of bravery. Something about the person made men respect him, spring to his orders and unhesitatingly follow him into battle. That essence deserves to be explored, and the testimonials he accrued during his lifetime have earned him the right to a balanced inquiry. The author has focused the study primarily on the man and spared the reader a detailed description of the great events in the Civil War and the Plains Wars, so well treated elsewhere. Numerous vintage photographs and maps, a bibliography and an index to names, places and subjects enhance the text."

They list a few other books by Ladenheim: one other Custer-related work, Alien Horseman: An Italian Shavetail with Custer, and a couple of medical books. Beyond that, no clues. No reason why medicine and Custer shouldn't mix, as Frost and Gray proved ...

[Scout]

I see where Alibris books have two copies of 'I Buried Custer' the account of Pvt. Thomas Coleman up for sale by different booksellers. One copy is $1,250...the other is $85. Both from the same year...1979. The first one is signed by editor Bruce Liddic who is very much alive. I didn't know Bruce's signature is so expensive. I'll have to write him and get an autograph. No offense to Bruce but I don't think his signature is worth as much as a Custer signature. Gotta watch some of those book dealers...

[elisabeth]

Prices do seem to be almost entirely arbitrary, don't they. Less dramatic than the above, but your mention of the David Appel book sent me off looking for a copy; there were three or four on Amazon in varying states of repair on offer at around the $13 mark, and then the next on the list -- which was in no better condition than the others, apparently -- was something like $35. Bizarre.

And even signed copies seem to see-saw wildly. With all respect to Liddic, as you say, his signature's not a rarity ... yet my copies of both Clark's Scalp Dance and Karol Asay's Gray Head and Long Hair turned out to be signed, and both were very reasonably priced. What the logic is, heaven only knows.

[Scout]

Alibris had some copies of the Appel book for very low. The Liddic book price is confusing since I saw a signed copy of Boots and Saddles signed by EBC not long ago for around the same price. I used to buy pristine copies of books but now opt for a well worn old soul.

[Diane Merkel]

I'm sitting here looking at Custer's Thorn, but neither of us has started it yet.

Scout, the high price on Liddic's book may be due to it being a limited edition with special artwork. There were three editions published: trade, limited edition leather, and limited edition leather with artwork. In the latter, each copy had one of the original pieces of artwork from the book included. (You should do that! )

If the $1,250 version didn't include the original art piece, I can't explain the price. Someone should buy the $85 one pronto because the book is rare.

[Scout]

Diane, you mentioned that Dr. Merkel is finishing a book...is this the long awaited book on Weir?

Yea, I saw that on the Liddic book. The other book listed at $85 disappeared very fast after your comment about it being rare.

[Diane Merkel]

scout2 said:

Diane, you mentioned that Dr. Merkel is finishing a book...is this the long awaited book on Weir?

Did I say that? ;D The only known book-in-waiting is about Weir, but I'm afraid that will be at least a five year wait. Chuck just took a position as the historian for the 53rd Wing (Air Force) so retirement has been pushed back at least five years as has the time to write.

[Montana Bab]

CONGRATULATIONS TO DR. MERKEL!

[zekesgirl]

Diane, have you or (anyone else here) read this yet? Should it be on a "to buy" list?

[Diane Merkel]

I'm not sure if Chuck read it or not. I'll ask. I might start it as I finished a book last night.