The Heart of Everything That Is

The Untold Story of Red Cloud, An American Legend

By: Bob Drury, Tom Clavin

Narrated by: George Newbern

Length: 12 hrs and 5 mins

Publisher's summary

The acclaimed New York Times best-selling 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 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 19th 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.

©2013 Bob Drury and Tom Clavin (P)2013 Simon & Schuster Audio

Couldn't put it down!

This was an excellent read!

“The Heart of Everything That Is” provides the reader an insight into the lives of the Native Americans as never heard before. Clavin/Drury do an excellent job of telling (most) of the story thru the eyes of these brave and noble people as their land is stolen from them and their people are forced to live where the whites say. It was fascinating to learn about the Indian culture without candy-coating their actions and using Hollywood as the yardstick for which to measure them. They were far from savage; noble, brave, gallant, courageous.

Red Cloud, Crazy Horse, Old Man Afraid of his Horses and countless others are the true heros of the frontier by defending what was already theirs. It was interesting to understand how the Indians interacted within their tribes and with other (Indian) communities, and it was fascinating to learn how they lived and fought whether or not it was against other Indians or the Whites. And it was difficult to comprehend the true history of the United States as the chapters unfold and the white soldiers continue to take.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The even-flow from page to page and chapter to chapter along with the easy to listen narration by George Newbern made this 2-part down load any easy selection for a second read in the coming weeks. We as Americans owe a great deal to the Natives who were here before us and we have Clavin/Drury to thank for sharing this small part of their valiant history.

An untold story from the Native American perspective

The first & only book I have read (listened to) that explained the Native People's point of view & the extraordinary lengths the US government went to in order to steal their land & practically exterminate them like the buffalo.

a Great story of a great man.

An interesting and informative. Both sides are presented. Time is not flattering to the whites.

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The book covers a lot of the history around the time Before & After Red Cloud is well. Don't miss this book!

A Masterpiece

One of those books where depression sets in when it’s ended.... This book was incredibly enjoyable for me. So thoroughly researched. I was aware of and had basic knowledge of many aspects of this story but, this author’s work provided so much more context and detail. Extremely well written...I enjoyed every minute. Narration was really, really good. Someday I’ll listen to it all over again

Very honest look at American history.

Greed on all sides limited some the ability to work together and others the ability to keep their word and limit boundaries.

A Mesmerizing Story

I found Red Cloud's story to be more interesting than a novel. The writing is beautiful, vivid and surprisingly well-balanced. Descriptions are exquisite. I loved the narrator's voice, but he really did mispronounce many words, and that I didn't understand. Why didn't anyone catch that?

Rich story of this incredible figure of history

A very rich story of Red Cloud and his world. Evokes the view of the world through this man's eyes, which included acts of bravery and manliness that are not reconcile to western white eyes, savage and cruel. But the author writes in such a way as to not judge or condescend, merely to describe life as the Sioux viewed it. One gets sympathy for both sides of the conflict. I have had the privilege of going to Fort Phil Kearney, and to have visited Res Cloud's grave. I wish I had this book when I made my pilgrimage.

American History That Remains Unknown to Most

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

The book does a fine job of enlightening us to the history of this country that is not portrayed by Euro American history books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

The story centers around Red Cloud, a Lakota chief.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Yes

Native American History in the Midwest of North America

A very good tale, balanced, captures many perspectives from this difficult time in North America.