Death at the Little Bighorn: A New Look at Custer, His Tactics, and the Tragic Decisions Made at the Last Stand

by Phillip Thomas Tucker

On the hot Sunday afternoon of June 25, 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Armstrong Custer decided to go for broke. After dividing his famed 7th Cavalry, he ordered his senior officer, Major Marcus A. Reno, to strike the southern end of the vast Indian encampment along the Little Bighorn River, while Custer would launch a bold flank attack to hit the village's northern end. Custer needed to charge across the river at Medicine Tail Coulee Ford. We all know the ultimate outcome of this decision, but this groundbreaking new book proves that Custer's tactical plan was not so ill-conceived. The enemy had far superior numbers and more advanced weaponry. But Custer's plan could still have succeeded, as his tactics were fundamentally sound. Relying on Indian accounts that have been largely ignored by historians, this is also a story of the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors. Custer’s last move was repulsed, resulting in withdrawal to the high ground above the ford… and it was here, on the open and exposed slopes and hilltops, that Custer and his five companies were destroyed in systematic fashion. This book tells for the first time the forgotten story of the true turning point of America's most iconic battle.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Arcade imprint, are proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in history--books about World War II, the Third Reich, Hitler and his henchmen, the JFK assassination, conspiracies, the American Civil War, the American Revolution, gladiators, Vikings, ancient Rome, medieval times, the old West, and much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

462 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2017

About the author

Phillip Thomas Tucker, Ph.D. has been recognized today as "the Stephen King of History," and the most groundbreaking historian in America, because of his great productivity of high-quality books (more than 185 books of history) in many field of history, including the American Revolution, Women's History, Civil War History, African American History, etc.
A winner of national and state book awards, Tucker has recently optioned out three books--Cathy Williams, Anne Bonny, and Mia Leimberg--for Hollywood films.
No American historian has authored more history books than Dr. Tucker. America's most prolific and innovative of historians has won international acclaim for breaking much new ground in history by authoring more than 180 history books of unique distinction. In total, he is the author of more than 225 works in history, including both books and scholarly articles.
Significantly, the vast majority of these groundbreaking books have a distinctive "New Look" focus, including five volumes of the Harriet Tubman Series and Haitian Revolutionary Women Series. An award-winning scholar of highly-original and uniquely human history, he has most often explored the remarkable lives of forgotten men and women in powerful historical narratives long ignored by other historians.
Most important, Dr. Tucker has emerged as one of America's leading Revolutionary War historians. He has authored groundbreaking Revolutionary war books, including "How the Irish Won the American Revolution"; "George Washington's Surprise Attack": "Saving Washington's Army"; "Brothers in Liberty"; "Kings Mountain"; "Alexander Hamilton's Revolution"; "Alexander Hamilton and the Battle of Yorktown"; "Captain Alexander Hamilton and His Forgotten Contributions at the Decisive Battle of Trenton"; and others no less distinguished.
The author has also written four books about female Buffalo Soldier Cathy Williams. In addition, he has completed groundbreaking New Look Glory 54th Massachusetts Regimental Series of four volumes. This important series has focused on the heroic story of the first black regiment from the North during the Civil War.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Tucker has revealed some of the most overlooked chapters of America's hidden history to present new insights and fresh perspectives. The author's books have most often broken historical boundaries, while going well beyond traditional history in bold "New Look" narratives.
As America's leading myth-busting historian with three degrees in American history, including a Ph.D. from prestigious St. Louis University where he graduated summa cum laude, America's most prolific author has mined American history's obscure depths to present unique historical narratives long unexplored and forgotten. Tucker has long focused on illuminating the previously untold stories of forgotten women (black and white), who have been long overlooked. By revealing their distinguished hidden history that had been previously lost to the American public, the author has paid long-overdue tributes to these remarkable women of great courage and outstanding character. Ahead of their time, these dynamic women defied the odds in carving out their own unique destines with their hard work, enduring faith, and perseverance.
Dr. Tucker has authored groundbreaking books in many fields of study: African American, Women's, Irish, American Revolutionary War, Buffalo Soldiers, Civil War, Tuskegee Airmen, Little Bighorn, Caribbean, Private, Spanish American War, Second World War, George Armstrong Custer, and Southern history. He has long focused on telling the forgotten stories of lost souls, outcasts, renegades, misfits, rebels, deserters (like Buffalo Soldier David Fagen), iconoclasts, refugees, nonconformists, and outliers, whose unique lives deserve attention at this late day.
The author's award-winning books have often focused on iconic turning point moments in American

Reviews

[Norgri · Rating 1 out of 5]

DON'T BUY THIS BOOK!

There are hundreds of books about the battle at the Little Bighorn, and I have read dozens of them. This is one I wish I had skipped.

Dr. Tucker argues that the 7th Cavalry lost the battle at the ford near the Medicine Trail Coulee. The action at the ford was not a tentative reconnaissance, as many have claimed, but rather a battalion-sized strike intended to win a victory despite Reno's fiasco at the other end of the camp. It failed thanks to spirited resistance from a handful of native warriors and unexpected casualties among the 7th Cavalry's leadership.

I don't have a problem with the basic premise. I do have a problem with the poor writing. The book is poorly structured, and repetitive beyond imagination. There are literally pages where the author repeats himself within a few paragraphs. Sometimes it feels like he simply recorded his thoughts in a stream-of-consciousness first draft that he never bother to revise. Other times it feels like he feels obliged to share every little bit of trivia that he knows by putting it into sentences. He contradicts himself, and even gets basic facts wrong.

The quality of writing is not what I would have expected from someone who has a Ph.D in history. It is not even what I would have expected from someone working on the Bachelors. What it reminded me of was a high school student who has half a page of content that he has padded out into a ten page essay.

The problem, of course, is not the author's alone. There is absolutely no evidence that an editor ever laid eyes on the manuscript before it went to print. I don't know if Skyhorse is an imprint for self-publishing but that is the only reason I can image them letting such sub-standard writing go to print. I just hope that they didn't charge the author by the page to print his book.

As I mentioned, I don't disagree with Dr. Tucker's basic premise. I agree that Custer was let down by Reno and Benteen. I think it is entirely possible that Custer attempted to salvage a victory by aggressive action at the ford. It is also entirely possible that Custer was wounded or killed at the ford, and that the battalion subsequently became demoralized and withdrew up the hill. And I certainly agree that Indian accounts of the fight have not been given the weight they deserve. In the end, however, Death at the Little Bighorn is a short article at best. Make that a short, well-edited article.

[Ó Ruairc · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book sucks. Readers who are not too familiar with the Battle of the Little Bighorn, or only have a passing interest in it, might find this book interesting; but for those of us who have studied the battle for years and years, well...this book really sucks. And the way the author keeps repeating himself, ye gods! It's almost like he can't help emphasizing the purported "new facts" he has discovered about the famous battle.


Tucker wrote a similar book called, "Why Custer Was Never Warned". This book sucks too, and for the same reasons.

[Nathan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Repetitive, poorly written and full of misquoted material. Not an enjoyable read.

[Jeff Elliott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me start with this: I love history; especially American history. I trust that Dr. Tucker's research is good and accurate. I appreciate his passion for his subject. I really don't blame him for the debacle that resulted from his work.

Second, I cannot leave a book unread. However, this is the first book I have almost put down halfway through. Not because of the topic or the research or even (I think) the writing.

MY ISSUE WITH THIS BOOK IS EDITING!!!!! A little less than halfway through important words in sentences began missing, run-on sentences began appearing and the almost identical quote shows up on facing pages from two different sources. As many as four editing errors on a single page! Then a few pages would be ok. Then an unedited run-on sentence that got lost in it's own facts, with inserted names (and parenthetical expressions), innane details inserted for who knows what reason, now I have forgotten my main point but I need to finish the sentence. (See what I mean).

Then the repetition began--It's not hard to summarize Tucker's thesis: The Battle of the Little Bighorn was fought and lost at Medicine Tail coulee/ford when Custer, at the head of the charge, ran into a small group of Cheyenne Indians who were prepared, had better repeating rifles, and wounded Custer. The attack then fell apart due to lack of leadership and Custer, being wounded, retreated with the rest of his men to Custer hill where they were eventually killed.

Now I should copy that last sentence and repeat it for 50x's and you have the gist of the book. This book should have and could have been much shorter. Tucker's point is stated again and again and again and again...and again...and again. I'm not sure who's to blame but this material deserved much better editing. I may try one more Skyhorse Publishing book but if the editing is still as poor it will be my last.

There really is some good research done, I don't want to disparage Tucker's writing but the editing is the worst I have ever seen.

[Nancy Oyula · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gave me an insight of the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the role of native Americans in history. A good read.

[Jessi Bone · Rating 5 out of 5]

“No survivors of nearly half of an entire United State Army Calvary Regiment (five companies) were left to tell the tale about what happens on June 25, 1876.”

Dr. Phillip Thomas Tucker in this new historical nonfiction Death at Little Bighorn, he tackles the history no only from a military history but also considers the verbals histories of the Sioux and Cheyenne Indians of what occurred on that faithful. This completely unique historical aspect of the battle you get both sides of the account not only for the battle itself but also for the sequence of events that lead to the battle and the deaths of the Fifth Cavalry under Custer. Dr. Tucker was the first that I have found to consider the verbal histories of the Native American Tribes that were at the actual battle that day and to include them in his historical context of his research not just as hearsay and ignore them completely.
This is my third book by Dr. Tucker and he has never disappointed me. I find his through research and the fact he writes in a way that many can understand and enjoy whether they are a fan of history or not makes the time and money worth the read. Many have said that he writes redundantly and I do not find that. I think the fact he emphasis the facts and shows how everything is connected allows the reader to see the history through his eyes. His unique perspective of history and how he shares all sides of history makes you want to learn more. I would recommend this book to anyone who interested in teaching and learning more about the history before and after the Battle of Little Bighorn.

[Kenneth Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book purports to reinterpret what really happened at the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The author contends that the turning point of the battle took place at the Medicine Tail Coulee Ford. Custer had divided his force into three parts. Benteen was sent to the west to prevent the escape of the gathered Indians. Reno was sent to the south end of the village to attack. This attack was thwarted and Reno and his men dismounted and were soon pushed into the trees along the Little Bighorn river.
When Custer learned of this, he decided to launch a flanking attack at the north end of the massive village. To do this he led his troops down the Medicine Tail Coulee to cross the river at the ford there. This end of the village was the Cheyenne camp. With most of the warriors on the south end of the village fighting Reno, there were few warriors to stop Custer. These warriors had the advantage of good cover to protect the ford and greater firepower. Many of the defenders were armed with Winchester and Henry repeating rifles. Custer’s men were armed with single shot Sharps rifles. Custer’s troops were also disadvantaged by the fact that they were exhausted from the long campaign. Their horses were tired and thirsty. When the troopers charged at the ford they were met with a withering fire. The author believes that Custer was probably wounded at this time. Custer’s five regiments were halted at the ford, dismounted and eventually retreated up Custer Hill where they all perished.
The author points out several factors that worked against Custer. Many of his experienced officers were not with him. The men and horses were tired and thirsty and the Indians were better armed. The author also details the tensions in the command staff. Reno and Benteen disliked Custer and did nothing to to aid Custer when his flank attack failed. These officers also gave false testimony at the inquiry to place the responsibility for the disaster solely on Custer.
The author relies on Indian testimony of the events to support his version of events. He details how the mythology of the battle has led to the ignoring of facts that show what really occurred.
The book is an interesting read and sheds new light on the battle. However, I thought the book was redundant in restarting facts over and over.

[Adam E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Philip Tucker Thomas who also wrote Exodus from the Alamo, reanalyzes the Battle at Little Bighorn, Montana, also known as “General Custer's Last Stand.” This fateful battle took place on June 5, 1876 during a United States government campaign to drive Native Americans off of fertile lands and onto Reservations. It later became known as the Indian Wars.
George Armstrong Custer was born in Ohio, graduated from West Point and was General for the Union in the Civil War. Under the direction of President Ulysses S. Grant, Custer fought against Northern Native American tribes, such as the Cheyenne, Sioux and Lakota who would not sign treaties for their lands. He was considered a hero for his success during the Civil War and was a prime candidate to complete this difficult endeavor. Thomas argues that Custer has been scapegoated for the lost battle at Little Bighorn and explains that there were many other factors that lead to the ultimate demise of Custer and his 7th Cavalry of roughly 220 troops.
The fight at the Medicine Tail was a true turning point for Custer and his Cavalry as it was just East of Little Bighorn. Many past historians have dismissed the Native accounts of Medicine Tail and Little Bighorn that Thomas has researched and provided to illuminate the battles. A map of the battleground is shown to give the readers a visual of the location.
Death at the Little Bighorn sheds new light on one of the most famous battles in American history. Many historians and Military Generals have studied the battle and Custer's tactics which the author agrees was a good strategy if not for some mistakes made by some of his Captains and a serious underestimation of the Native warrior's abilities.

[Dremel22 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death at the Little Bighorn: A New Look at Custer, His Tactics, and the Tragic Decisions Made at the Last Stand by Dr. Phillip Thomas Tucker has once more done what I never thought could be done and that is teach me a different way to look at history other than the way it has been taught in schools for many years. Dr. Tucker never fails to impress me with his writing and the time and effort that he puts into all of his research and the effort always truly shows. This is a man who cares about the history he is writing about. The book details events of Custer’s time at Little Big Horn and what led up to them, but what is also does is lift the veil off of what has nearly essentially gone the way of mythology and legend in America. “Paradoxically, despite the seemingly endless number of books devoted to Custer's Last Stand, the truth about what really happened has been obscured by the glorified myth that has faithfully endured to this day,” and this is exactly what Dr. Tucker aims to clear up in his book. Described here also, which I truly appreciated, was more of a look at Little Bighorn from the perspective of the Native American people, and the way that their way of life would change forever after everything happened. Often, when speaking about events in history, we tend to forget the Native Americans when discussing these things and it seems that with Custer’s defeat this still did not change. Dr. Tucker makes the point that the winner of a war is typically the one who will tell the tale, but in this case that did not happen. Once again, I am impressed and appreciative of Dr. Tucker’s efforts to teach real history to people and the work that he clearly puts into doing so. Brilliant job.

[Jana Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love history and I especially enjoy reading a different perspective on a battle this is still “being fought to this day in many different writings”. It doesn’t mean I agree with the theory being posed but I still enjoy reading them.
Death at the Little Bighorn: A New Look at Custer, His Tactics, and the Tragic Decisions Made at The Last Stand by Phillip Thomas Tucker is that different perspective. The editing in his book could be a little tighter but his very easy to follow theory and concise writing make up for that.
While reading, you can tell he spent most of his time in archival research for both Native Americans and the military. This book shows that he was passionate about his thesis regarding Custer’s tactical decisions.
This book also gives background on life in the 1850s for those who just like reading about this time in history. Sometimes we forget that life was happening while Custer and his minions were busy taming the West. His book also uses history from the Native Americans (oral histories included) to provide additional background which is often overlooked. It was refreshing to read another perspective. While this book was very interesting, there were times he could have shortened a few chapters but most of us are just pleasure readers; we are only interested in information and the enjoyment of reading. We aren’t scholars, just regular readers interested in learning something new. I still at times have to read for school and this is one I would have enjoyed reading for my class as much as I did just for pleasure. I will have read some other books by Phillip Thomas Tucker.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth your while

Phillip Thomas Tucker wrote Death at the Little Bighorn. I read the whole book. I’m saying this because I’m proud of myself for actually doing it. I started the book without much, or any, idea of what it would be about despite the title being very obvious. I don’t usually study history, or American history, but I wanted to read a book that I felt would increase my knowledge and give me a new or broader perspective.

The subject was one I’ve heard about, but had very little prior understanding of. I’ve heard of General Custer, like most of us have, but was fairly unaware of what he really did or who he was. I can say after reading this book I am much more confident in my knowledge of the famous “Last Stand” and would be happy to discuss it with anyone willing.

The author does a good job of keeping the book interesting and easy to follow. The pace was fast enough for me to keep going without putting it down for long periods of time. I even found myself relating the most recent information to my wife, who listened kindly without much protest.

Of course this subject is political. There are insights and events that lead up to the event meant to shed light on that part of history. In fact I believe it was the author’s intent to shed new light on the battle of Little Bighorn. He is clearly very well researched, and I believe his research and time are meritted a read.

If this sounds interesting to you I would suggest giving it a read. You likely won’t regret it.

[DEIDRE · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Phillip Thomas Tucker has done it again and his love of history combined with his straightforward, yet astute observations have certainly cemented him a place in the United States History genre. He has assembled a generous (and noteworthy) collection of meticulously well researched work. Dr. Tucker's zest for history, more often than not, has the tendency to pour through the pages from start to finish. I have read a multitude of his printed works and his fervour is a constant present. Death at Little Big Horn is no exception. He tackles it with just as much vehemence as his other books. That being said, it is rather lengthy. It could have most definitely been shorter and had the same impact. Everything is broken down and dissected. It can be inferred that he repeats himself to drive certain points home but it could be cut down a notch and be just as eloquent, in my opinion. I appreciated the breakdown and circling back though as I'm barely getting my feet wet with United States history so I forget certain people (or battles) or mix up events. If history is your forte or an area of interest to you, it could go either way in the sense that you will staunchly support and love the presentation or scoff at it. There is still much to be gained from it. There are some lovely portraits and paintings hidden in the middle but I wish he had sprinkled them throughout to help break things up a tad.

[Shoane Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great Analysis of the American Battle

When I first started to read this book, I was a little unsure on continuing to read it, however, as I continued to read it, it more interesting to me. After, reading this book I learned alot and was extremely shocked on a lot of things that I read. This is a book about Civil War, so it draws you into what is going on. This also has a lot to do with the author who wrote the book as well. This book was very informative and I personally learned a lot from it at the end. I am not a reader who likes to read about Civil War, matter of fact I don't read about it, however, I decided to give this book a shot, and I am glad that I did. his book tells for the first time the forgotten story of the true turning point of America's most iconic battle. The Little Bighorn is one of the most famous events in American history and folklore. This is a book that should be in today's history books for all kids to read and learn about this American history. I must say that this book is a great read, and I highly recommend that every reader gets this book. It is a little pricey, however, once you finish reading the book, the price will go out your head, I know it did for me. From the beginning to the end, this was a excellent read. Great Job to the author for a detailed book such as this one. 👏 👍🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fact to be said, history is one of the most hard things to write about or explain. And for this matter a war that happened like what! 150 years ago and where legend has it many soldiers died including their leader and more men. So what we do is read and read all the myths and hope to meet a Thomas Tucker with a detailed account of the tactics used, the advantages the soldiers had, the unseen events that occurred in war and more details. How was that possible? It is a living truth that the natives have their own way of recording events in their minds and passing them from generation to generation and Tucker is a good historic writer because he went to fetch the truth from the natives. Some truth that only the natives have about what really happened. He never stopped there, he went further to the military people to ask about other tactical methods used because as we all know, military knows how to hide information. But I can’t say that the author got all the truth because from even other books that I have read, most information tends to fit the another, only that here the author brought more information.
Death at the little big Horn is one of America’s iconic wars and if history was to rewind I would appreciate being there to see how events turned out. But since that is impossible, let me stick to this account by Thomas Tucker.

[Breyanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening and eye-opening.

This book is unlike most other books about the same topic. The author gives a more detailed and factual account of what truly happened to General Custer. In this book, there are maps and pictures which make it easier to follow and understand what happened. Looking at the pictures before reading will probably help the reader to better visualize the battle scenes, locations, and people discussed. What sets this book apart from the rest is that it includes oral testimonies from Cheyenne and Sioux tribes. Most historians dismissed the recollections from the tribes because they thought they were inaccurate or unimportant, even though their statements lined up with historical facts.

Because there was not much proof of the battle before research was conducted, there were many exaggerated portrayals of what might have happened during this tragedy. I didn't think this book was repetitive. Every chapter contained new and detailed information. I have learned so much from reading this book and I have a much deeper insight on the Battle at the Little Bighorn.

[Michiel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read everything about Little Big Horn after watching Little Big Man as a kid I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It has become a sport to depict Custer as a vainglorious idiot. He was vain and rode for eternal glory but he was no idiot. Tucker has a keen eye for Custer's sound tactical decisions. But the most important part of the book deals with the native-American accounts of the battle, especially the often overlooked accounts from the Cheyenne-warriors. It was a small band of the mystical cast of elite warriors, the Dog Soldiers, that played a pivotal role in the Battle of Little Big Horn. I don't want avoid any cliché here: I was riveted to my chair reading through the battle-chapters.

Minor annoyances are with the "hard-riding, hard-hitting, hard-shooting"-lingo that is (too) often repeated.

Tucker does not forget the humanity of both parties; the immigrants from Russia, Italy, Ireland, Germany that rode and died with Custer. The role of the family supporting the Cheyenne-warriors and their personal reasons for revenge.

All in all a good read. Three stars and a complementary star for the Cheyenne!

[Larry · Rating 3 out of 5]

Though very badly edited and frequently repetitious, both conditions a result of poor or hurried editing, Tucker's central point is interesting. It is that Custer's failure to penetrate the great village at what we know as Ford B was repulsed by a handful (though reinforced) of warriors, thereby sealing the fate of Custer's offensive operations. Of course, there were several fords at the north end of the village(s), as Gordon Richard and (posthumously) Gordon Harper make clear in "The Fights on the Little Horn," and Custer's intentions and attempts didn't turn on which one he used. "At the core of most theories is a fascination with what, if anything, happened at Medicine Tail Ford" (Harper, p.172). But it was less the choice of the ford that stymied Custer's plan.

In fact, the key assumption made by Custer—that Reno's attack would draw attention away from the north end of the village, thereby clearing the way for Custer to cross the river into the village in force, whether at Ford B or Ford D, proved mistaken. That is a central reason for Custer's failure, not just the stout defense.

[Timothy Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book on the Last Stand

I thought this was a very good book and a very interesting read. The author takes the opinion that the main battle that decided Custer's fate took place at the ford of the river, a position that most historians disagree with. However, the author backs up his position with corroborating evidence and statements from both Native American and Cavalry participants. He specifically relates the stories of the Sioux and Cheyenne warriors that other authors and historians have mostly disregarded. I found this book and the author's position to be very credible. The only thing that I found kind of annoying is that in his desire to get his story across to to the reader, the author repeated significant events over and over and over again to the point that some of the writing was very redundant. I also noted that whomever proofread and edited the book could've done a better job as I found many misspelled words and typos. Other than that, it was a great book and one that I would highly recommend to anyone who has interest in The Battle of The Little Big Horn.

[Richey Baumann · Rating 4 out of 5]

At first glance, this book is just another look at the oft-told tale of Custer's Last Stand; the legendary tale of arguably the greatest military defeat the United States has ever suffered.

Reading it, however, makes it clear that this is not just another analysis of Little Bighorn. This is a fresh, unique look at the strategies, circumstances, and decisions that ultimately led to Custer's downfall.

For many, many years, relatively little has been known about the Battle of Little Bighorn, as there were no survivors from Custer's forces. This book, however, provides a great deal of insight into what we know about the battle. Including many long-ignored Indian accounts of the battle, Death at the Little Bighorn provides a different and in-depth look at everything we think we know, as well as a detailed, thoughtful, and factual analysis of events, facts, stories, and everything related to that legendary day.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in history or who wants to see an excellent example of historical analysis from a new perspective.

[Brian Adee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a relative novice to the study and history of the Battle of the Little Big Horn, Dr. Tucker's vastly informative 'Death at the Little Bighorn' did much to impress me with how thoroughly it treats the topic. From beginning to end, I found myself engrossed by the level of detail and care put into the text from all angles of thought.

Of particular note is Dr. Tucker's exposition on the cultural divides and clashing world-views which laid the foundation for the results of Custer's last stand. By examining the differences in prevailing attitudes between Native American and pioneering European peoples and ideologies, I gained fresh insight into the iconic battle from its pre-conception to final resolution.

Highly recommended for the intermediate reader looking to familiarize themselves with a different view on the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

[Melissa Cooper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phillip Thomas Tucker has written a book that historians will enjoy. The book took more of the accounts of the Native Americans from that time. The information provided by the Native Americans is a bit different from the historians accounts. Did Custer really get defeated at Last Stand Hill? The book puts forth the idea that perhaps he did not. Is it possible he was killed in another location? Medicine Tail Coulee Ford, May have been the actual location of Custer’s fall. Tucker’s research and comparing accounts of the Native Americans does make this theory realistic. The book is lengthy but a good read. It definitely makes you think there are other ways history could have been written based on whose perspective the history is taken from. Take a chance on reading the book. I think you will be drawn in. Tucker did his homework. A lot of thought and effort went into his work.

[Kirk Tapp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really wish I had read the reviews before starting this book. As others have said, repetativeness almost makes it unreadable. Not a bad theory, just doesn't hold up under scrutiny. If it happened as he suggests, 5 companies stopped dead at the Ford and Custer seriously wounded (or even killed, he bounced back and forth so much it was hard to follow) why would the survivors panic and run AWAY from the only reinforcements close? It would make far more sense for them to retreat back towards Reno and Benteen. Just can't believe the officers that were left alive would have ran the opposite direction. No, I stick with there was an attempt by a portion of the companies making a play on the Ford, maybe cross if it's possible, but Custer and the rest stuck to the high ground and tried further down, thus ending up fighting an organized skirmish retreat to Last Stand Hill.

[Donald Paulsrud · Rating 1 out of 5]

Without a doubt the worst book I have read about the Battle of the Little Big Horn. I was extremely disappointed because I happen to agree with the author that Custer was severely wounded at the river while attempting to attack the village. This book is so full of repetitions that it becomes unreadable. The author falls in love with certain words or phrases and uses them over and over again. It felt like I was sitting in a lecture hall listening to him give a lecture and these were his notes. He also mentions Custer's victory at the Washita almost as much as he talks about the fight at the Little Big Horn. Save your money and your time, there are a number of better books on this subject out there, in fact almost any other book on this fight will be way better than this one.

[Erwin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Down By the River Side

I will give Mr Tucker an A on the conclusion he reaches re: Custer’s fight at Little Big Horn. However, Mr Tucker’s writing ability ranks with a mediocre undergraduate student. The book is laced with run on sentences, the use of incorrect words, and sentences that make no sense. Repetition is another fault that caught my eye. If an idea can be expressed three or four different ways Mr Tucker will use all four. If he thinks an idea is worth being used he will repeat it verbatim four or five times. This book suffers from a lack of proof reading as do many of our books today. I appreciate his research, but his writing skills do no one a favor.

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

If a book was ever in need of a good editor this is the one. Just read it up to the time of the action of Custer and his men at the Medicine Trail Coulee/Ford and Dr Tucker's contention that it was there that all hope for survival of the 7th Calvary was lost. You won't miss out on anything as he defends his claim again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again, and again,...

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author view's that Custer was beaten at the Little Bighorn because of the defense at Medicine Tail Coulee by a group of Cheyenne using rapid firing rifles and the help of some Sioux warriors. I found this book very interesting.

[Steve Blakeman · Rating 1 out of 5]

An excruciating read.

I struggled to finish this book. The author repeated points and thoughts over and over again. Countless paragraphs began with"As mentioned" or "Again". This book could have been about half as long and twice as enjoyable otherwise.

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new look at the Battle by this author who looks at part of the battle by getting some more Indian tales of the battle

[Joyce · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should’ve listened to everybody. This book sucks. I never could get past the first chapter or two. It just repeated itself over and over and over and over.

[Rick Fifield · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that looks at the battle on June 25, 1876 at the Little Bighorn River, between the 7th Calvary and the Indians who were camping along the Little Bighorn. Phillip Thomas Tucker PhD looks at long forgotten Native American documents from Cheyenne and Sioux warriors who help defended Medicine Coulee Ford and other Native American testimonies that changed the fortune of George Custer and the men he led. Tucker also found some evidence that Custer was shot while leading his troops which may have sped the demise of the 7th Calvary. With the new evidence it is possible that what transpired on Last Stand Hill is not what we have believed for over the last 150 years.