|
Post by dcb188 on Dec 22, 2005 17:17:36 GMT -6
I would like to see what you folks think of Evan Connell's 1984 or thereabouts book Son of the Morning Star. I have no idea where it "stands" with serious inquirers about the LBH. Is it great, not so great etc? Thanks.
|
|
|
Post by crzhrs on Dec 22, 2005 18:30:07 GMT -6
We have discussed this book a number of times. I think it is one of the best books, not because of the discussion of the battle but for all the "tidbits" of information about the characters and events that led up to the battle and afterwards.
It's not for someone who wants to know the details and tactics of the battle. I would suggest Custer's Luck by Edgar Stewart as a first-time book for the begginer. Very fair, objective and a clear picture about the reasons for the battle, events that took place during it, and some reasons why the outcome resulted as it did.
Any way . . . welcome to the forum and hopefully you can learn more from some of the members.
|
|
|
Post by dcb188 on Dec 22, 2005 18:45:43 GMT -6
Thanks for the input and the welcome. I appreciate it very much.....
|
|
|
Post by El Crab on Dec 30, 2005 5:01:29 GMT -6
Its my favorite. I love how it jumps around, it makes for a more interesting read. And its the best Custer book to just crack open to any page and just have a-go at it...
|
|
|
Post by fred on Dec 30, 2005 8:26:16 GMT -6
Dcb188--
(Catchy moniker!) This may have been the first book I read on the LBH since I was a kid & I read a thing called "Custer: Fighter of the Plains," by Shannon Garst. (I'LL GIVE YOU ODDS THAT NOBODY ON THIS ENTIRE WEBSITE HAS EVER HEARD OF THAT BABY!!! The original was writen in 1944; my edition is 1951. Garst's bio is so obscure, it doesn't even mention if he/she/it is a he, she, or it!)
Anyway (& by the way, welcome!), "Son of the Morning Star" brought me back into the LBH fold. I find it chock full of interesting facts-- my favorite, "tidbits"-- like Crzhrs & El Crab say, not all of which have proven out to be true. I also think it's a great "first" book & it's one of the most enjoyable, just as a pure "read." Connell is a professional writer, not like some of the historians who specialize in the LBH. (That's not at all meant as a shot; I think Connell's aim was to mix business w/ pleasure, so to speak.)
Bottom line: I think it's a great book, fun to read, lots of good stuff, & I refer back to it all the time.
Best wishes & happy new year, Fred.
|
|
|
Post by alfuso on Dec 30, 2005 10:28:35 GMT -6
Fred
If you'd gone through "MY" collection you'd know that I have that book. Dunno the edition right off.
alfuso
|
|
|
Post by fred on Dec 30, 2005 11:53:33 GMT -6
ALFUSO!!!!!!
Are you serious?!!! I didn't think ANYBODY would have that thing!! How about Garst's book, "Crazy Horse: Great Warrior of The Sioux"? (Oh, my gosh! I just opened it up & there's the tail of the dustcover!!! Garst is a woman! I never knew that-- or maybe I just forgot.) I looked, the Crazy Horse book is a first edition (could there have been more?), 1950 copyright: The Riverside Press, Cambridge, MA; DORIS (!!!) Shannon Garst. Wow! Excitement still abounds in the old spirit!
"She & her lawyer husband live in WY where they & their children know well the country that is so ably brought to life in her books."
Happy new year, alfuso. Fred.
|
|
|
Post by El Crab on Dec 30, 2005 15:22:49 GMT -6
... I read a thing called "Custer: Fighter of the Plains," by Shannon Garst. I'm fairly certain I've read this one.
|
|
|
Post by fred on Dec 30, 2005 16:10:18 GMT -6
Oh, Crab, you couldn't forget this baby... but it's more of a child's book I would think. Formative years, let's put it that way. It would stir the juices of a 12-year old. It comes illustrated (by someone named Harve Stein) & it actually has a bibliography & index. No footnotes, but she does use Graham, Brininstool, Libby Custer (natch!), Godfrey, Kanipe, Phil Sheridan's memoirs, & Marquis. Even Frederick Whittaker! The whole party! 164 pages of joy!, ending w/, "General George Armstrong Custer led the March of Destiny. He accomplished his mission & in so doing won his desire-- IMMORTAL FAME." How's THAT?!!!
Great stuff!
Happy new year, Crab. Fred.
|
|
|
Post by alfuso on Dec 30, 2005 22:37:24 GMT -6
Fred
Don't have Garst's book on Crazy Horse (I don't think)
But I do like to collect the "boys adventure" books from the turn of the last century. Plot is usually Boy rides with Custer (or is adopted by the 7th). RIDERS OF THE PLAINS is another good one -- 14 year old boy with Custer during Hancock campaign. Scouts with Buffalo Bill. Captured by Indians, rescued by Custer.
I like these books for their simplistic, romantic view of the times and Custer as Hero. Interesting look at the mind set of the early 1900's.
alfuso
|
|
|
Post by El Crab on Dec 31, 2005 4:46:51 GMT -6
Oh, Crab, you couldn't forget this baby... but it's more of a child's book I would think. Formative years, let's put it that way. It would stir the juices of a 12-year old. It comes illustrated (by someone named Harve Stein) & it actually has a bibliography & index. No footnotes, but she does use Graham, Brininstool, Libby Custer (natch!), Godfrey, Kanipe, Phil Sheridan's memoirs, & Marquis. Even Frederick Whittaker! The whole party! 164 pages of joy!, ending w/, "General George Armstrong Custer led the March of Destiny. He accomplished his mission & in so doing won his desire-- IMMORTAL FAME." How's THAT?!!! Great stuff! Happy new year, Crab. Does it end with the LBH battle, or just before it? Happy New Year to you too, Fred. Fred.
|
|
|
Post by fred on Dec 31, 2005 5:49:49 GMT -6
Crab--
Oh, no. This baby's got the whole enchillada. Custer gets it in the end.
And alfuso, please! Easy w/ that "last century" business. You're talkin' to a geezer here. I agree w/ you about those books. Like I said, fun stuff.
And to think... I WAS GONNA THROW THEM OUT!!! Not sophisticated enough for me! This, from someone whose mother never threw out a thing!
I wish you all the happiest and most prosperous new years of all. More importantly, good health. Very best wishes, Fred.
|
|
|
Post by Treasuredude on Jan 4, 2006 20:51:13 GMT -6
Dcb188-- (Catchy moniker!) This may have been the first book I read on the LBH since I was a kid & I read a thing called "Custer: Fighter of the Plains," by Shannon Garst. (I'LL GIVE YOU ODDS THAT NOBODY ON THIS ENTIRE WEBSITE HAS EVER HEARD OF THAT BABY!!! The original was writen in 1944; my edition is 1951. Garst's bio is so obscure, it doesn't even mention if he/she/it is a he, she, or it!) Anyway (& by the way, welcome!), "Son of the Morning Star" brought me back into the LBH fold. I find it chock full of interesting facts-- my favorite, "tidbits"-- like Crzhrs & El Crab say, not all of which have proven out to be true. I also think it's a great "first" book & it's one of the most enjoyable, just as a pure "read." Connell is a professional writer, not like some of the historians who specialize in the LBH. (That's not at all meant as a shot; I think Connell's aim was to mix business w/ pleasure, so to speak.) Bottom line: I think it's a great book, fun to read, lots of good stuff, & I refer back to it all the time. Best wishes & happy new year, Fred. Fred -- It's on Ebay right now... cgi.ebay.com/Custer-Fighter-of-the-Plains-by-Shannon-Garst-1944_W0QQitemZ6594532082QQcategoryZ29223QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
|
|
|
Post by alfuso on Jan 5, 2006 1:01:21 GMT -6
I picked up a good copy of this book, with a covered and colorful intact DJ for about $7 at Amazon.
alfuso
|
|
|
Post by El Crab on Jan 5, 2006 3:00:33 GMT -6
I'm 99% sure I've read that book. I borrowed it from a library many moons ago if I did. But I'm very certain I recognize that cover...
|
|