DOC Lakota Noon: The Indian Narrative of Custer's Defeat by Gregory F. Michno in History

Review

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. There are always two sides to a story; this includes the battle of the Little Big Horn.By Gary AndersonUnlike those great westerns of the 50's; the Indians did not ride in circles around wagon trains or groups of soldiers. Clearly; if the Indians had attacked as shown in those old westerns; the outcome of that battle would have been different. The book Lakota Noon explains how the Indians used cover and long range tactics to slowly gain the upper hand over the 7th and it's leader Custer.Mr. Michno does a nice job of relating how the Indians viewed events as they unfolded that day. The book is based on many conversations and statements from the only survivors of the battle. As I read the book; with it's unique way of telling about the battle; I could picture how the troopers were at a big disadvantage as they became targets; while their adversaries did not.As you read the book you will see that there were a number of opportunities before the last fight; for the 7th to rejoin with Reno and the rest of their comrades. But Custer was on the offensive; giving no thought to defense or retreat. This was not recklessness on his part; he had reasons to expect a victory that day; even an hour or more after the battle had been joined.The reasons for the failure of Custer's plan to achieve victory becomes clear as you read the book to it's conclusion.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Amazing Work - Brings Clarity to the Entire Battle - Restores Indian CredibilityBy NealOstIt is hard to offer more kudos to this absolutely FIRST-RATE historical work. Michno offers well documented; multiple views; from the Indian participants of the LBH battle. His research on the number of lodges; their placement is excellent and shows clear thinking dispelling years of old; repeated poor assumptions and folk-tales. Michno seems to build on his earlier work in this tome. Here he finally brings the viewpoints of the only real survivors into a reasonable coherent mapping which includes showing their positions and movements in both the Reno and Custer battles in many maps- well done! There are many other very well-reasoned conclusions that the author explores once he has established this unique and perhaps definitive presentation of Indian conduct during the battles. It is so well written it seemed to be novel-like. The repetition of the Indian views was organized to flow with the conduct of each battle. I believe this helps establish the fact that Reno's early short attack and rout (retreat; really!); allowed the Indians to be gathered and confident when they met Custer to his ultimate woe. This book is a must have for any serious student of the battle.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. This is an excellent book! There were no white survivors to tell ...By Herman D. SchillerThis is an excellent book! There were no white survivors to tell the story of what really happened to Custer's Battalion at the Little Big Horn. For so many years; most accounts of the battle taken from the Indians who were there have been disregarded. Finally; here is what really happened to Custer and his battalion as documented by the Indians who were there. Excellent reading and an absolute must for anyone interested in what actually happened to Custer and his men.