The acclaimed New York Times bestselling biography of the legendary Sioux warrior Red Cloud: “a page-turner with remarkable immediacy…and the narrative sweep of a great Western” (The Boston Globe). Red Cloud was the only American Indian in history to defeat the United States Army in a war, forcing the government to sue for peace on his terms. At the peak of Red Cloud’s powers the Sioux could … his terms. At the peak of Red Cloud’s powers the Sioux could claim control of one-fifth of the contiguous United States and the loyalty of thousands of fierce fighters. But the fog of history has left Red Cloud strangely obscured. Now, thanks to the rediscovery of a lost autobiography, and painstaking research by two award-winning authors, the story of the nineteenth century’s most powerful and successful Indian warrior can finally be told.
In The Heart of Everything That Is, Bob Drury and Tom Clavin restore Red Cloud to his rightful place in American history in a sweeping and dramatic narrative based on years of primary research. As they trace the events leading to Red Cloud’s War, they provide intimate portraits of the many lives Red Cloud touched–mountain men such as Jim Bridger; US generals like William Tecumseh Sherman, who were charged with annihilating the Sioux; fearless explorers, such as the dashing John Bozeman; and the memorable warriors whom Red Cloud groomed, like the legendary Crazy Horse. And at the center of the story is Red Cloud, fighting for the very existence of the Indian way of life.
“Unabashed, unbiased, and disturbingly honest, leaving no razor-sharp arrowhead unturned, no rifle trigger unpulled….a compelling and fiery narrative” (USA TODAY), this is the definitive chronicle of the conflict between an expanding white civilization and the Plains Indians who stood in its way.
more
Having lived in Wyoming, where much of this actually happened, it was especially meaningful. This is, by far, the best biography of Red Cloud I’ve read.
Great historical read without being overly academic, that is, reads like a novel. Equal to “Empire of the Summer Moon” and “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
This was the third book on the Indians that I have read during this Pandemic.
I am sympathetic towards the Indians as they were so helpful to the early
settlers in the beginning of their movement West. However, after years of being
lied to my our government ,ripped off by the trading posts, watching a big source
of their food, the Buffalo, being …
The treatment of Native Americans come alive and makes you feel the shame.
You won’t be disappointed. I got it cheap through Book Bub but went on to buy for others at full price – feel that I got my money’s worth many times over. Filled with facts based on the caveat that “history is fable agreed to”.
More of a history book. Made myself read most of it but parts were interesting and informative
The only man to defeat the US army. This was a good read.
If there is any segment of the American Population who should hold a grudge, it is the American Indians. What is really and truly amazing is that while some of them might still hold historical grudges…they have survived, persevered, and become a wealthy and thriving nation in this nation.
This book is a tale of fighting for a way of life …
It was a great way to get some understanding of “another” very tragic time in American History. Well researched and interesting to read.
I enjoyed this book a lot but it really brought home to me how poorly we dealt with Native Americans, Red Cloud was an exceptional leader.
Finally, I feel like I have a more authentic background on the subject
Absolutely heartbreaking. The book is well written and well narrated. Every American student should have to read this one or Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee.
Well worth the time. A good read of a dark period of our history.
The first 3rd of the book goes back to America before Red Clouds birth. I got a much better understanding of the plains natives and the Sioux nation in particular, where they originated from, their movement west from Minnesota and their constant battles with other nations including the Crow, Arapaho, Pawnee and Cheyenne as well as the white …
Very well written…very informative.
Author dispels some of the cliches we have taken as factual about the way our Army dealt with the western Indians in the second half of the nineteenth century.
Gruesome and confusing.
It’s a sad situation that we really didn’t know how things were. It is such a good history book and everyone should read the true story of the native Americans
Love this book