Little Big Man

Rating:
Summary: A classic, a must read.
Review: The is the best book I have read on the clash of cultures that resulted from European-Americans encountering the indigenous, stone-age culture of the plains indians. The nobility of the plains indians and the genocide of the Europeans stand in stark contrast. The author's knowledge of detail is amazing and his story-telling ability and humor make for a great style. Make no mistake, this is a classic and deserves to be studied and taught as one.

Rating:
Summary: An American classic.
Review: This book cannot fairly be reviewed in such a small space. I just want to assure anyone who stumbles on it here and sees "Little Big Man" classified as a Western novel: this is not Louis L'Amour territory! This is one of the funniest, most heart-rending stories ever concocted using historical fact and brilliantl imagination; Berger gives the reader some idea of what it must have been like to live in the American West during the submission of the Plains Indian tribes, and doesn't spare our feelings in the process. Not that it's a diatribe. LBM is a novel, first and foremost a wonderful read. It also happens to be one of the few great novels made into a great movie -- one suspects because of Dustin Hoffman's obsession with "getting it right"

Rating:
Summary: Not bad
Review: This book was okay, but somewhat boring. Also, some of the events were highly improbable.

Rating:
Summary: Little Big Man
Review: This may be one of the best books written in the last fifty years not only from an entertainment perspective but from a literary one as well. Berger's mastery in spinning the web of an 121 year old man who's been everywhere and seen everything in the Old West is spectacular. If you're a fan of western history as I am or just a fan of good writing, Little Big Man, will fit your bill. I've read this book countless times and taught to high school level students with nary a complaint.

Rating:
Summary: Great historical fiction!
Review: This movie has been on my favorites list for years. The book is even better!

Rating:
Summary: A Fascinating Journey
Review: Thomas Berger's humorous, horrifying and touching tale of the American West will live forever in my heart and mind. Not for a second did this book bore me, an interest in the West would be beneficial when reading but not essential. This book is extradinarily entertaining and having read The Return of Little Big Man I feel like I've traveled some amazing journey along with Jack Crabb and co.!

Rating:
Summary: HUMOR AND HISTORY
Review: Thomas Berger's Little Big Man, when written, was 20 years ahead of its time. What we now take for granted, i.e., US govt (read: white) anhilation of native Americans, Berger presented to us from another perspective: the Indians'. I was about 12 years old when the movie came out and can still remember how it was much discussed at the time. Make no mistake - for all the wit and humor in this story, it is a very serious subject and for its time was very powerful. Imagine the days not so long ago when George Armstrong Custer was a national hero. This book caused rethinking and revision of white treatment of Indians and Indian culture. Mr Berger's use of a fictional character inserted into historical events was a masterful tool. The humor that our narrator, Jack Crabb, uses to get his point across is infectious, his downhome wisdom sage, and his tender heart touching. For those who enjoyed Mr. Crabb's saga, do not miss his return (Return of Little Big Man), as well as another mockumentary character, Harry Flashman, and his historical adventures, courtesy of George McDonald Fraser.

Rating:
Summary: HUMOR AND HISTORY
Review: Thomas Berger's Little Big Man, when written, was 20 years ahead of its time. What we now take for granted, i.e., US govt (read: white) anhilation of native Americans, Berger presented to us from another perspective: the Indians'. I was about 12 years old when the movie came out and can still remember how it was much discussed at the time. Make no mistake - for all the wit and humor in this story, it is a very serious subject and for its time was very powerful. Imagine the days not so long ago when George Armstrong Custer was a national hero. This book caused rethinking and revision of white treatment of Indians and Indian culture. Mr Berger's use of a fictional character inserted into historical events was a masterful tool. The humor that our narrator, Jack Crabb, uses to get his point across is infectious, his downhome wisdom sage, and his tender heart touching. For those who enjoyed Mr. Crabb's saga, do not miss his return (Return of Little Big Man), as well as another mockumentary character, Harry Flashman, and his historical adventures, courtesy of George McDonald Fraser.

Rating:
Summary: Forrest Gump in the Old West -- only better!
Review: What great fun to follow the amazing adventures of Jack Crabb. From a wagon train in the 1840's through Custer's Last Stand in 1876, the narrator shares tales of his journeys in the Old West.
It's actually a simple premise. 111 year old man recounts first third of life, much of which was spent living with the Cheyenne Indians. Journeys include encounters with Wild Bill Hickock, Wyatt Earp and George Armstrong Custer. Simple idea but to pull it off is another matter entirely. Berger succeeds. Crabb is an engaging character whose wit and wisdom permeate the narrative.
The reader also becomes familiar with an important slice of American History, gaining a fresh perspective on the tragic fate of native tribes. This is not a strictly politcally correct interpretation but it is senstivie, and realistic.
Coincidental encounters are so frequent as to become expected but they always delight. "Little Big Man" is thought provoking, educational and most of all a whole lot of fun.
(The 1969 movie of the same name starring Dustin Hoffman, is a nice supplement to the book, whether seen before reading the book , after, or during.)

Rating:
Summary: Forrest Gump in the Old West -- only better!
Review: What great fun to follow the amazing adventures of Jack Crabb. From a wagon train in the 1840's through Custer's Last Stand in 1876, the narrator shares tales of his journeys in the Old West.
It's actually a simple premise. 111 year old man recounts first third of life, much of which was spent living with the Cheyenne Indians. Journeys include encounters with Wild Bill Hickock, Wyatt Earp and George Armstrong Custer. Simple idea but to pull it off is another matter entirely. Berger succeeds. Crabb is an engaging character whose wit and wisdom permeate the narrative.
The reader also becomes familiar with an important slice of American History, gaining a fresh perspective on the tragic fate of native tribes. This is not a strictly politcally correct interpretation but it is senstivie, and realistic.
Coincidental encounters are so frequent as to become expected but they always delight. "Little Big Man" is thought provoking, educational and most of all a whole lot of fun.
(The 1969 movie of the same name starring Dustin Hoffman, is a nice supplement to the book, whether seen before reading the book , after, or during.)