S.D. Nelson, Standing Rock Sioux, author and artist, meticulous researcher, passionate about the history of his people, his ancestors, his homeland, Indian and white, has written the epic story of Crazy Horse and Custer.

In Crazy Horse and Custer, Born Enemies, Nelson brings to life two remarkable individuals, Crazy Horse and Custer,  who were born one year apart but grew up in very different cultures, embraced different values and ideals.  Their lives collided as each fought to protect their people and honor their warrior ethics.

We meet George A. Custer and Crazy Horse first as young boys each finding their way to manhood, determined to be true, honorable, and courageous warriors.

Both are passionate to protect their people and ideals. As their stories unfold, side by side, in this ingenious and profound book, readers look at both sides simultaneously.

“Manifest Destiny” coupled with racism guides Custer’s determination to carry out the government’s “God-given duty to expand white ownership and domination.”

On the book’s pages, battles are told with immediate details. Images include both illustrations and historical photographs.

In this one book, S D. Nelson presents two perspectives, two clashing, opposing historical views and takes us on a profound and fascinating journey. It’s a page-turner, an eye-opener, beautiful and tragic.

In the final scenes of the great legendary battle, S.D. brings us there, Battle of the Big Horn … Custer’s last stand … we hear the war hoops, the injured horses’ screams, the zing of arrows that flew thick as rain.

Real, unforgettable, mesmerizing — the book causes the reader to reflect on this fresh view of history:  two hero soldiers, each passionate, each courageous and nearly unstoppable. But determined to kill the enemy.

Quotes from the book:

“Let us put our minds together and see what we can make for our children.” (Sitting Bull, Hunkpapa Lakota)

“We are not enemies, but friends.  We must not be enemies.” (Abraham Lincoln)

Perhaps if we look more carefully at history, we will choose peace rather than war.

After his death, Tasunke Witco (Crazy Horse) was wrapped in a blanket and carried away on a travois, pulled behind a horse. His final resting place remains a mystery.

George Armstrong Custer’s body was taken east and buried in the cemetery at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He lies beneath a polished stone monument.

Visit S.D. Nelson’s website and learn about this book and his many other award-winning books including Black Elk’s Vision, Gift Horse, The Star People, and Buffalo Bird Girl.