Book Review
Crazy Horse By KINGSLEY M. BRAY
Reviewed by PEGGY BARNETT
Crazy Horse was the greatest war leader of the Lakota people. Kingsley, who is a bookseller and historian, has spent years studying the Plains Indians, acknowledges that constructing a life for him is difficult because documentation is fragmentary. However, he has made use of early interviews with friends and contemporaries of his subject, as well as interviews of modern Lakota tribe members.

He traces the probable develop- ment of the personality and attitudes of this historic figure, from his birth (in 1840) through his childhood on the Plains. The details are familiar from other stories: the generosity of tribal leaders, decision making by the group, and the values of the society. In addition to generosity, courage, fortitude, and wisdom were important to the Lakota.

Crazy Horse's father was named Crazy Horse (which makes for some confusion), but he assigned the name to his son when he reached adulthood. Crazy Horse's mother, Rattle Blanket Woman, is said to have hanged herself. Kingsley believes that the early loss of his mother contributed to Crazy Horse's later preference for isolation.

During his childhood and adolescence, his tribe struggled with the U.S. government, trying to keep their hunting grounds and traditional territory without warfare. The warriors of the people were able to hone their skills in fights with other tribes, and in buffalo hunts vital to the tribes' survival.

Crazy Horse became a leader and gained friendships that endured for most of his life. The book continues with details of the challenges as the Indians realized that they were being surrounded by the settlers and soldiers of the Americans, and the ensuing raids and battles.

The most dramatic section deals with the famous Battle of the Little Big Horn, told from the viewpoint of Crazy Horse. "Acknowledged by tribal foes as the enemy they most feared, honored by allied tribesmen as the bravest of all warriors, Crazy Horse counted more than 200 coups, a war record unmatched by any of his peers."

Meanwhile, many Lakotas accepted the inevitable and settled on treaty-guaranteed reservations. Until the last months of his short life, Crazy Horse rejected the reservation system. "His tactical leadership . . . contributed critically to the two greatest defeats for American arms during he Plains wars."

Crazy Horse, a Lakota Life, is available at the Mary Willis Library.

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