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Post by fred on Apr 23, 2015 15:44:11 GMT -6
Pete,
That is kind of you to say... and to me it is the measure of a man. It is a privilege to speak with you again.
I am not sure the LBH bookstore has a say in what they carry. This is what McFarland wrote to me: "The stores have local committees that reviews merchandise for historical accuracy and appropriateness. Eastern National, who I mentioned before, is a major player in this process but there are others. Our title information reaches them all."
I think the one for the LBH is the Southwestern "branch" and if I am not being led on, McFarland has already contacted them. If, however, the LBH store wants the book, I suspect they will get it, so whatever help you can provide would be appreciated greatly. A fellow I "met" on Facebook (... and I really do not like FB!!!) is the curator of a museum in Casper, WY, and he has spoken to the Fort Caspar and Fort Phil Kearny people, so hopefully both books will make it to those stores. The field lies rather fallow right now, but I suspect when the weather finally gets decent things will perk up. Of course, things can perk up all you want, but if your work isn't in sight all the perking in the world will do you no good. So here's hoping....
Again, thanks.
Best wishes, Fred.
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Post by dave on May 28, 2015 9:08:06 GMT -6
jaguar You mentioned you had purchased a book about the Cavalry action on July 3, 1864. I would like to recommend another book for your library that will enhance your knowledge about what happened at the Little Big Horn. Fred Wagner, our Fred, has written the seminal tome about the LBH. Every poster on this board has recommended his work for all who are interested in increasing their understanding of the who, what, when, where and how of this historic conflict. Fred provides the definitive timeline which is key to comprehending the outcome. I suggest you look on Amazon.com and read the reviews for yourself as well as going through this thread and reading the posts. You will certainly be the better scholar for the effort. Regards Dave
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Post by welshofficer on Jun 8, 2015 18:24:17 GMT -6
I started a new thread on this book because the others are scattered all over the place. I just want to take a moment to thank all of you who have commented on this new book of mine, both on this board and on the other. The fact you all-- and you know who you are-- have taken the time and effort to buy the book, read it, and then take more time to comment on it, is a very great compliment indeed. I do not even know how to express my thanks in words other than these. You have flattered me by your kindness; it is not something to be taken lightly... and I do not. My sincerest thanks to every one of you... my only regret being my inability to thank you personally. Very best wishes, Fred. Fred,
That is an impressive piece of scholarly research. I will be cross-referencing the footnotes for years to come. In particular:
(1) Interesting analysis of the Tullock's Creek issue, the Benteen left oblique and the Keogh vulnerability to Ford C/Deep Ravine.
(2) The impressive timelines are far more credible than Gray.
(3) You avoid getting sucked into the personalities blame game.
A few minor gripes:
(a) I will never really like (as a modern military purist) the title of the book, "strategy". You are dealing with the final stages of the operational level, and then the tactical decision making (some would say the GAC downwards spiral) and the tasks allocated pursuant.
(b) A map detailing the location of every unit of the Wyoming, Montana and Dakota columns on the morning of the 25th would have been useful, perhaps in the Tullock's Creek chapter. Likewise a map covering the beginning of Benteen's left oblique as far as Ford D.
(c) I think you could have probed a little deeper the Tullock's Creek implications, given the risk of Terry arriving at the LBH south of the hostiles if he had persisted with that route.
(d) In trying to be personalities neutral, and I can understand why given the yaaboo pro or anti polarisation west of the pond, you perhaps cut GAC too much slack for some pretty sub-standard decision taking. There weren't other days like 25 June 1876, despite the divided constabulary duties of the US Army of the period.
But all in all, a great book and which I think will stand the test of time.
WO
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Post by fred on Jun 9, 2015 10:09:33 GMT -6
Justin,
That is very kind of you... and I take your comments to heart.
The Tullock's situation will be taken care of in much greater detail soon.
Thanks again for the very kind words.
Best wishes, Fred.
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Post by troybrickman on Jul 14, 2015 17:43:26 GMT -6
Hello, Is this book available in England? I am unable to locate in any shops and websites indicate it may be out of print. Are there any second hand copies available?
Thank you Troy Brickman
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Post by fred on Jul 14, 2015 17:48:24 GMT -6
Is this book available in England? I am unable to locate in any shops and websites indicate it may be out of print. Are there any second hand copies available? Troy, It should be available on Amazon.UK; it was, the last time I looked. It is in its 6th printing and the publisher has it available as well. This is the publisher's Website: www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-7954-2If you still have problems locating it, please let me know here on this site and I will figure out something for you. I hope you enjoy the book... my thanks. Best wishes, Fred.
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Post by troybrickman on Jul 15, 2015 2:23:03 GMT -6
Is this book available in England? I am unable to locate in any shops and websites indicate it may be out of print. Are there any second hand copies available? Troy, It should be available on Amazon.UK; it was, the last time I looked. It is in its 6th printing and the publisher has it available as well. This is the publisher's Website: www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-7954-2If you still have problems locating it, please let me know here on this site and I will figure out something for you. I hope you enjoy the book... my thanks. Best wishes, Fred. Thank you Fred. I was able to place an order this morning. Looking forward to it. Thanks again.
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Post by Diane Merkel on Jul 15, 2015 11:45:44 GMT -6
Welcome, Troy! I hope you'll come back to the boards with questions for Fred. I don't think he's been stumped yet. Diane
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Post by troybrickman on Jul 15, 2015 20:05:35 GMT -6
Welcome, Troy! I hope you'll come back to the boards with questions for Fred. I don't think he's been stumped yet. Diane Thank you Diane. I am not sure I'll be posting much on the boards. A little too much drama for me. I will however be reading. There are some very good posters with a wealth of information and opinion. I hope Fred sticks around and continues sharing his knowledge.
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Post by fred on Jul 15, 2015 20:17:13 GMT -6
I am not sure I'll be posting much on the boards. A little too much drama for me. Troy, These "flame-wars" are part of the territory, but we try very hard-- believe it or not-- to iron them out. This one too, is being ironed out. If you have any questions for me or I can provide any additional information, all you have to do is ask. It will always be my pleasure. Best wishes, Fred.
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Post by Diane Merkel on Jul 15, 2015 20:17:59 GMT -6
Please don't let this week dissuade you from posting. Such flare-ups are rare. It's a shame it happened when you were new to the boards, but you'll see that we usually behave ourselves.
Best wishes,
Diane
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Post by gary on Jan 21, 2016 12:49:56 GMT -6
I very much recommend this book. I'm planning to review it for the Custer Association of Great Britain, but I've got a little more work to do before I'm finished.
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Post by dave on Jan 21, 2016 14:56:06 GMT -6
Gary Wonderful that you will review Strategy for the Custer Association. I assure you that your members who have not read it yet will thank you for your effort. It is a well written superbly researched tome that enable many to appreciate all aspects of this historical battle. Perhaps when you get a chance, you will also review Participants in the Battle of the Little Big Horn, 2nd edition, which is truly a labor of love and a fantastic source for the names of participants of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. Regards Dave
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Post by fred on Jan 21, 2016 16:48:17 GMT -6
Gary,
Thank you for the very kind recommendation. I am delighted you enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading your review. I assume it will be in The Crow's Nest. I am a member of the CAGB and that journal is extremely well done. I always enjoy ready it.
Again... thank you.
... and Dave,
As always: my sincerest thanks for all you have said and done. Knowing your background, your compliments are the highest.
Very best wishes to you both, Fred.
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Post by sgtstryker1 on Mar 18, 2020 20:10:25 GMT -6
I know I'm late to the party, but just finished reading "Strategy" and had to comment. I've been fascinated with Custer since reading a book about him, by Quinton Reynolds in 3rd grade, and with the battle, after visiting the battlefield as an 11 year old kid. The ultimate for me was not so much participating in the Real Bird reenactment in 2006, but being able ride all over that country the 7th passed thru. I retired last year and finally have some time to get back to studying the battle. Aas I'm planning on taking horses out to Fort Abe Lincoln, western North Dakota and back to the battlefield this summer. I started re-reading some of my books and started looking for anything new out there. That brings me to "The Strategy of Defeat at the Little Big Horn.
What a great way to relight the fire for the battle. The first thing this book did, was it forced me to take an honest look at Custer, Benteen and Reno and their responsibilities related to the battle. I don't remember a book having that kind of an impact on me before. Thanks for opening my eyes!
Your chapter on Keogh's wing really brought to life the flow and annihilation of each company. The description C Company's charge into Calhoun Coulee and ultimate destruction is haunting to me.
For me, your timelines really help understand the flow of the battle for all the moving parts, better than those I've read in the past. I never saw the times given by participants being that important, as the events they were describing, but you have fined tuned the timeless so that events as told by the participants mesh together to give a seemingly natural flow to the battle, from the divide to the end on LSH.
Although, I've been to the battlefield a number of times, I love extensive use of pictures and maps showing those important features related to the battle. Your book doesn't disappoint in this regard. This is great for those that have never stepped foot on the battlefield. The only map I would have liked to have seen included would be one showing the numbers and location of the markers listed in Appendix C. I've been trying to find a map showing this, but haven't had any luck.
You've also increased my vocabulary, while reading a book about the battle, which really hasn't happened since reading "Custer's Luck"
Now that I'm finished, it's time to reread, highlight, dive into the footnotes, break out my dictionary and learn even more.
Thanks for throwing gas on the fire.
Chuck
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