If you have a chance to read this book, don’t.
High Point: The cover is one of the best you’ll ever see.
Low Point: It’s repetitive, sensationalized, inaccurate and haphazard.
Author: W. Fletcher Johnson
Publication Date: 1891
Genre: History
W. Fletcher Johnson’s Life of Sitting Bull and History of the Indian War of 1890-91—originally published in 1891—brought the promise of a then-current glimpse at key events in the US during the 19th century. These looks at history are usually fascinating since they are unfiltered by the vast cultural and social shifts that have occurred over the last 130 years.
Unfortunately, this book doesn’t live up to its potential. While uncluttered by 21st century viewpoints, this 587-page volume is instead cluttered with repetitive accounts of the same events. And Johnson relates one sensationalized story that had been discounted years prior to the book’s publication. That story might make the reader question the credibility of the remaining narrative.
The structure of the book comes across as haphazard. It follows no clear or logical timeline or sequence. It seems to skip from place to place, and you don’t know where it might land next.
The best feature of this book is the cover. It’s one of the best.
But overall, Life of Sitting Bull is a miss. Or maybe amiss.
Sources For This Book
Free eBook (Project Gutenberg): Not available
Free Audiobook (LibriVox): Not available
Available to Purchase: Biblio, Thriftbooks
