Earth Is All That Lasts

Mark Lee Gardner is the author of Rough Riders, To Hell on a Fast Horse, and Shot All to Hell, which received multiple awards, including a Spur Award from Western Writers of America. An authority on the American West, Gardner has appeared on PBS’s American Experience, as well as on the History Channel, the Travel Channel, and on NPR. He has written for the Los Angeles Times, True West, Wild West, American Cowboy, and New Mexico Magazine. He lives with his family in Cascade, Colorado.

"A remarkable contribution to this tragic period in our history. ... A thrilling read." — The Battlefield Dispatch"With The Earth Is All That Lasts, the renowned Western author sought to tell the story of the iconic battle from the Lakota and Cheyenne perspective" — Colorado Sun“Engaging and well-written. … Many histories of the Sioux Wars have been written, but Gardner’s careful scholarship and deliberate inclusion of Native American voices give added layers of texture, depth, and insight.” — North Dakota HistoryOutstanding. ... The ideal chronicle of the Plains Indians Wars of the late nineteenth century is an articulate, well-researched endeavor that both an informed reader and a subject matter novice would consume and applaud. Mark Lee Gardner’s exceptional contribution to this extensive genre clearly meets this often elusive standard. ... Such an exemplary testament to the effective blend of academic and popular history belongs in the library of every student (and writer) of the Plains Indian Wars. — On Point: The Journal of Army History“Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull remain integral to the broader understanding of the Old West. … Gardner masterfully adds a fresh dimension to the lives of two men he views as freedom fighters.” — Wild West"In a year crowded with excellent Western history and biography, Mark Lee Gardner’s The Earth Is All That Lasts stands above the rest as the most ambitious history/biography in both the Western genre and general American biography. His use of primary resources, especially those of Native peoples, is exemplary. I believe it is the finest dual biography of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull ever written." — True West, Best of the West 2023: Best Nonfiction Book of the Year"With its clear prose and rich narrative ... The Earth Is All That Lasts effectively brings the Native American viewpoint to the fore, and it gives the reader a thorough account of important events in American history." — Military Heritage"The Earth is All That Lasts, a tale of two indigenous heroes, tells the story of resistance and hope in a time when it was most needed." — BuzzFeed"Digging deeply into often-neglected primary sources, Mark Lee Gardner has written a lavish and powerful dual biography. ... Gardner fleshes out [Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull's] stories in nearly cinematic detail, giving us a fresh look into their characters, motivations, and passions. He also paints detailed images of the Western landscape and of all the diverse peoples who have made it — or are fighting to make it — their home. We’re gratefully left with a finer appreciation for the tragic struggle and selfless dedication of Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull." — Big Sky Journal"A stirring account of the resistance campaign led by Lakota holy man Sitting Bull and war chief Crazy Horse in the 1870s. ... Sharp characterizations and evocative imagery...make this a standout portrait of the Old West." — Publishers Weekly"A fast-paced and highly absorbing read."   — Wall Street Journal"Excellent. ... Mark Lee Gardner is one of the best writers around. The pages fly by. ... A great read from a great author." — The Tombstone Epitaph"One of the finest books—in all genres—of the year." — True West"Gardner has done prodigious research into the Indian wars, recounting battle after battle, from the glory days to the end for the Lakotas at the infamous Ghost Dance." — Denver Post, "Books to Read this Month""Spirited history of the great Sioux war leaders of the late 19th century and their valiant stand against White encroachment...A strong work of Western history that strives to bring the Native American view to center stage." — Kirkus Reviews"An extraordinary work of exhaustive research and meticulous scholarship." — Midwest Book Review"Masterful." — Manhattan Book Review