Custer's Last Jump!

Custer's Last Jump! is an alternate history novella that reimagines General George Armstrong Custer's famous last stand with one major change - the addition of powered flight technology in the 1870s American West. The story takes place during the aftermath of the Civil War, as tensions rise between U.S. forces and Native American tribes. The narrative follows multiple perspectives, including military personnel, reporters, and indigenous warriors as they grapple with the implications of early aviation warfare. Historical figures like Custer, Sitting Bull, and Crazy Horse appear alongside fictional characters in this speculative military tale. The plot centers on a crucial battle between U.S. cavalry forces equipped with primitive aircraft and Native American fighters who have their own aerial capabilities. Military strategy, personal rivalries, and cultural conflicts drive the action. This work explores themes of technological advancement, military hubris, and the complex dynamics between progress and tradition. Waldrop's story raises questions about how history might have unfolded if certain innovations had emerged at different times.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Howard Waldrop's overall work: Readers highlight Waldrop's unique blend of historical detail and offbeat humor. Many note his creative premises, like dodo-chicken hybrids and Martians invading rural Texas. Reviews praise his research depth and ability to craft intricate alternate histories. Likes: - Inventive plot concepts - Historical accuracy and detail - Quirky, distinctive voice - Texas regional flavor - Complex world-building in short format Dislikes: - Dense writing style can be challenging - Stories sometimes end abruptly - Limited novel-length works - Collections hard to find in print - References can be obscure Review Metrics: Goodreads: - "Night of the Cooters" - 3.8/5 (200+ ratings) - "Howard Who?" - 4.1/5 (150+ ratings) - "The Ugly Chickens" - 4.0/5 (100+ ratings) Amazon: - Collections average 4.2/5 - Multiple reviews note "acquired taste" quality - Frequent mentions of "unusual" and "original" Reader Quote: "Like finding bizarre historical artifacts in a dusty Texas antique shop - strange but fascinating." - Goodreads reviewer

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🌟 The book is an alternate history short story that imagines Native Americans developing powered flight before Europeans, changing the outcome of the Battle of Little Bighorn. ✈️ Howard Waldrop wrote this story in collaboration with Steven Utley, though Waldrop is primarily known for writing alone. 🏆 The story was nominated for the Locus Award for Best Novella in 1977. 🎯 The real Battle of Little Bighorn (1876) resulted in the complete defeat of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and his 7th Cavalry Regiment by Native American forces. 🔄 The story's premise plays on the historical irony that Native Americans, who were ultimately defeated partly due to technological disadvantages, are reimagined as technological innovators who master flight before their adversaries.