Dr. Custer's commentary is a breath of fresh air. An up to date conservative commentary on the book of Acts has been needed for sometime. His commentary is thorough and full of wonderful insights. A Greek scholar, Dr. Custer makes frequent reference to the Greek text where doing so is essential for a proper understanding to the message of the book. Each chapter ends with practical applications gleaned directly from the text of Scripture. This is a most helpful commentary that will be of much benefit to the pastor as well as to the layman. You cannot go wrong with this excellent commentary.

Readers will feel the heat, taste the dust, and experince the fear and confusion in this first novel by Frederick Chiaventone. This novel places you on the plains and on the battlefield as primary and secondary characters come alive and stuggle with varing degrees of human fobles. George Custer and Marcus Reno come alive as never before and have never been treated as fairly. Neither whites or Indians are made the villains but instead are humans struggling with the changing times of history. When Custer first sees the immensity of the Indian village before him and gasps ' Good God' you will know that this novel has surpassed the ordinary and has joined such novels as " The Killer Angels" in bring history alive.Having been raised in the Midwest it is a pleasure to read a novel in which the Indians are not made out as villains and the whites are not considered doomed heros. This nicely balanced novel brings the reality of the tragedy home to the reader. We all know the story, we've all studied the battle, now is our chance to experince it as it might have been. It's to bad this is not ' must reading' in high school history classes.

There are really two kinds of historical fiction:
a) those based on History and as much as posible try to recreate Real Life people and events.
b) those who use history as a background to develop a fictional plot or fictional event.
For me this book fits easyly on the first one. Utterly believable account, dialogues and sequence of events. (Hard to belive it's a first novel!) On the same level of "Gates of Fire" and "The Killer Angels".
There are also two kinds of books for me, the one's I read one time and the one's I enjoy reading more then once, this one I enjoy rereading.
A must have/read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found the footnotes to be very helpful. There were so very many more people involved besides Custer, Sitting Bull, etc. The Native Americans were families doing what families do - enjoying their day, grinding corn, cooking. They became "real," not just Lakota people. The "ordinary" soldiers also became real. I compare this book to "The Killer Angels" for "fleshing out" the participants. Again, these were real people. I believe that Mr. Chiaventone did an excellent job of creating dialog that is believable based on the situation and the times. I have recommended this book to many people and it is one that I intend to read again.

A thriller?! Yes! Gross?! Yes!, and yes, again! Not my kind of book, but...I was encouraged to read it, and once I started, could not get the characters off my mind. Aleta has a way with a story-line. I didn't want to put it down. Her style is just as thrilling as any I have read in the past,in this genre. I find myself wondering where Aleta's next book will lead Tina, and Elaine! If this is your type of book, read,"Evil Randum"!

ms. custer takes us on a wild ride---dark and wickedly entertaining---can't wait for the next one!!!

I could not stop turning the pages of this thriller. Working as a Peace Officer, I have seen and heard all sorts of horror stories. This novel is no less thrilling or terrifying than the real thing. I can not wait to read the sequel.

Although "The Custer Companion: A Comprehensive Guide to the Life of George Armstrong Custer and the Plains Indian Wars" is an invaluable collection of source materials on the life lived by the flamboyant and enigmatic General George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876), the book once again reminds us that the life of one man came down to ONE battle waged on a Montana hillside on June 25, 1876. If you were hoping to find a narrative of Custer's life, I would recommend Jeffry K. Wert's "Custer" as a first source and using Hatch's book as a source to garner further information.

Although the Battle of the Little Big Horn and Custer's remarkable failure there has seared the youngest general in United States' history image indelibly on the American imagination, the "myth", to the average 19th Century American was created long before that tragedy. It is the life lived during the American Civil War that provides fodder for the tragedy we recognize as a life cut short, a promise unfullfilled, and it is Custer's early life which is lacking in Hatch's narrative. I found an almost Custer-like impatience by the author in "The Custer Companion. . ." to get to the "big" story and it is this impatience that may contribute to some historical inaccuracies and a noted thinness in Custer's life story before the Plains Indian Wars.

The information on the Battle of the Little Bighorn and the numerous personalities that were factors in Custer's life story is, without a doubt, wonderful. But if you seek to "know" the man on his swift climb to prominence, "The Custer Companion. . ." would not be my first choice.

Use "The Custer Companion. . ." as a warehouse of bibiliographic material, but do not use it as a foundation for an introduction to one of the most fascinating figures in American history.

The Custer Companion: A Comprehensive Guide To The Life Of George Armstrong Custer And The Plains Indian Wars by historian and Custer expert Thom Hatch combines an informative biography of George Armstrong Custer with a vividly presented history of the Plains Indian Wars. The Custer Companion covers The Surrender Flag Controversy; Custer's Mad Dash across Kansas; Wild Bill's Showdown with Tom Custer; Red Cloud's War; The Sand Creek Massacre; The Russian Grand Duke's Buffalo Hunt; The Arrest and Revenge of Rain-in-the-Face; The Midnight Ride of Charley Reynolds; and a wealth of other aspects of "Custeriana". Solid, straightforward text enhanced with numerous sidebars going into little-known details, as well as a profusion of black-and-white photographs coupled with the results of an exhaustive research, makes The Custer Companion an indispensable resource for anyone studying one of America's most colorful (and controversial) military figures of the 19th century -- a man whose turbulent character and impact on American frontier history evokes renewed interest in every new generation of Americans.

This is a well detailed overview of the life of General Custer from his roots to the aftermath of the LBH. The book is interlaced with a 100 or more biographies of all the key people associated with from family, soldiers, scouts, and politicians to Native Americans. The bios are outstanding and they fill in some holes even for the seasoned Custerphile. One example is the bio on Dr. Coates, the surgeon who served with Custer in Kansas and. Coates was a key witness on Custer's behalf in reference to the charge that he denied medical treatment for deserters. The bio covers Coates' short army career before and after the incident including his post army life. Another is Colonel Sturgis, the actual Colonel and actual commander of the 7th, who typically was on assignment or administrative duties deferring field command to Custer. In addition, when referencing a particular individual or place or battle, Hatch provides a detailed bibliography on the person or topic. When I read of the controversy regarding Custer's 1867 court-martial, the listed references led me to Lawrence Frost's detailed book on the subject. In addition to the bios sprinkled throughout the book are quotes by the General himself, which are highlighted outside the regular text, which adds depth to what Custer was feeling at that point in his history. It's also quite clear that he and Libby had one of the closest relationships in history. Although there may be more detailed works on the various prime subjects of Custer's life, this book captures it very well and closes ranks on information with people that intersected Custer's life from Reno, Benteen, Tom Custer, Belknap, Crazy Horse, Two Moons, Keough, Calhoun, Weir, Godfrey, Sitting Bull, Gall, Crazy Horse, Curley and on. The biographies sometimes seem a little redundant since they often overlap the text but they are well worth it. My only criticism was that there was not more on Lt. Wallace who was the timekeeper during the LBH command. Wallace appears to have aided and abetted Benteen and Reno at Reno's Court Martial. The fun part is at the conclusion of the LBH the author adds a little argument by critiquing other authors' views in what happened to Custer's brigade and he comes up with his own plausible theory. In Hatch's book, Reno and Benteen are held accountable for their wrong actions or inactions. A very good perspective and well worth reading as it even includes a review of the final Plains Indian campaigns.

When my friend Kathy handed me this book as something to amuse myself while she was on the phone long-distance I was immediatly sucked in and had to take it home with me to finish. The combination of historical fact with creative writing gave me the feeling that I was right there with American Woman through her many adventures and I was loathe to say goodbye at the end of the novel. In my opinion the fantasy does work and I didn't balk at the transition into the spirit world. I particularly enjoyed Coyote and his shifty nature. I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Native Americans or someone just looking for a good read. American Woman always moved along at a good clip and didn't get bogged down, a rarity in historical fiction.

I thought that this novel was well written. I am not usually taken in by spiritual or magical worlds that often appear in novels, sometimes out of nowhere. However, I feel that Robertson did an extremely good job in painting a vivid portrait of how this magic "medicine" and spirituality surrounded and weaved through the culture of the Native Americans. Robertson's eye for detail and precision is very apparent; I felt that he explained details of battles and battle discussions in a concise manner. I felt that since Native Americans were very respectful of animals and their importance in the chain of life, it was extremely important for Robertson to incorporate that into his novel along with the principles of Quakerism, as told by Sarah Kilory.

American Woman is a double edged historical novel of dual cultures' experiences filtered through a gritty perspective of irony and wit. Set at the time of the battle of the Little Big Horn, told by a blonde, Quaker second wife to a Shyenna warrior named Yellow Leg, American Woman weaves the fabric of myth and history simultaneously. Humour, acerbic wit, and slanting perspectives lead to unforeseen levels of involvement. Humanity is both reduced and elevated. Sarah, the witch who does not know she is a "bruja" has vivid and relentless visions. Lakota and Shyenna customs presented are well researched by the author. One of my favorite chapters deals with the naming ceremony for Nothing, Sara's sister-wife Raven's daughter. Raven invites Sara to the ceremony, which is for women only.

"We stood our daughter up, so everyone would know what a fine child she was. Firelight danced in her dark eyes. It was a grave moment. She was about to lose her baby name forever and get the one she would carry into womanhood. Shyenna women did not collect and discard names like a Lakota brave. Many carried their adult name throughout their lives.

Raven recited Nothing's story....And what a story it was. Once I would have dismissed it as extravagant superstition - but if any of these women disbelieved it, they were polite enough to sit on their doubts. I stared at the little girl, thinking about that first day in the Center of the World when I had been enraged at her bare existence. Now I wanted to hug her. But it would have been disrespectful - too Wasichu. This was her moment, not mine...Raven announced, 'She shall be named for the mother who cared for her when she was sick, who cradled her when I could not, and who called for the Southern Herd to save her. From now on my daughter will be American Woman.'

I was as stunned as anyone. You could have heard a feather fall in the lodge.

Raven continued in her flat, cool way, 'Her mother does not need that name. She has the one given to her in the Spirit World. She is E-hyoph'sta, Light Haired Woman.' It was the first time any Lakota Eater had called me that. That triumph alone would have choked me - but it was trivial compared to seeing a little black-eyed girl standing straight in her white deerskin, beaming because she bore my cast-off name.

I pulled my blanket up over my face and cried. Through the tears and blanket I could hear women approving. It was wonderful, strange, and awesome. When I recovered, we ate until the lodge was littered with gnawed bones (pp. 312-313)."

Vivid and heartrending, American Woman tells a tale of blood by mixing bloods and perspectives. A new truth emerges, washed with the broken refractions of human tears.

Nancy Lorraine, Reviewer

This was fun to read for the most part. There really is nothing new and I do take issue with the claim that this is" the first major illustrated work" on Custer. Lawrence Frost's book, The Custe Album, holds that distinction

A large book well armed with pictures of not only Custer, his family, but also of key major military personnel, Forts, leading confederates and best of all, great Indian leaders. Besides the large presence of photographs, the book provides a nice compressed history of Custer from Birth to his postmortem. It's an accelerated read with direct references to historical events without gratuitous detail. In reference to his CW career, Donovan is a little light on Custer in the valley in 1864 as Custer has some conflicts with colleagues over such things as who earned the captured flags versus who actually took them. In addition, Custer's role at Five Forks is a bit large in contrast to the infantry's 5th Corps who crushed the isolated Confederate left. Overall, it's a pretty good overview of Custer's Civil War and pre- LBH western career. I do note that pictures sometimes fill in voids such as the destruction of Lt. Kidder's command and Custer's meeting with Satanta, which are missing from the narrative. The best part of the book deals with the LBH and the author pulls no punches in explaining what he thinks happened. His theory reflects Michno's "Lakota Noon" primarily in that he theorizes that Custer held his battalion on the east side of the river waiting for Reno and Benteen to rally to him to squeeze the Indians his battalion and theirs. But of course that does not happen and the command is destroyed. The author captures all the personal conflicts in command such as Reno's fitness and Benteen's pouting causing his leisurely stroll. The after the LBH evaluation is also quite good recognizing that several elements caused Custer's defeat, not just Custer's brashness, Reno's ineptness or Benteen's bitterness but the loss of surprise, the pressure to attack, the confidence of the Indians, their stubborn resistance capitalizing on the fractured commands and collapse and the primary fact that they didn't run like everyone perceived. Other elements include Crook's stepping out of the campaign with his 1300 men after the battle of the Rosebud the week before against smaller numbers then Custer. But also it's noted that Custer preferred the standard morning surprise attack but after discivering Indians on his back trail, he felt the need to attack immediately with reconnaissance done while on the move. Many forget that Colonel Reynolds inder Crook was nearly Court Martialed for botching the March Powder River attack. Although not mentioned directly, all commanders were under pressure to attack before the Indians dispersed. Terry's and Crook's subsequent post LBH campaigns attest to the Indian mobility challenge. The latter part of the book deals with the Custer legend based on writings, movies and historical hindsight that are based on the culture at the present, WWII era versus post Vietnam. This latter portion reminds of Hutton's great book the "Custer Reader" which is also worth a very good look since it also deals with participant' writings and fellow historians. This is a good book for those looking for a pretty good capsule on Custer that includes excellent pictures and an argument. Then they can venture into the books with greater analysis and detail and of course a greater feel for why the battle is so controversial.

The most thorough and well-researched book I've ever read on Custer. The beautiful illustrations, supporting historical documents, and Dononvan's insightful analysis evoke the myth that is our American West. Custer embodies that myth. Donovan succeeds in humanizing this compelling, tragic man while celebrating his immortality. The author does an exceptional job of establishing and explaining the legend of Custer and why his last battle seized the imagination of the American public. Securing not just a place in American history, but in our culture.

After sending his famous message to Benteen, "Big Village, Come Quick, Bring Packs," Custer and his men vanish from U. S. Army history. What happened thereafter was witnessed mainly by Custer's foes in the battle. Although huge numbers of Indian accounts have been collected in the roughly 125 years since Little Bighorn, historians have generally thrown up their hands at the gross contradictions, inconsistencies, confabulations and impossibilities found in the Indian accounts.

What Michno has done is to go through the published and unpublished accounts available, and fit them into a framework of time and space that actually turns out to make a fairly consistent picture of Custer's last battle. As several other reviewers have noted, there is a large piece missing from Michno's material, namely the accounts of the Indian scouts riding with the 7th Cavalry. It is very puzzling that this resource was ignored. However, that is the only real problem I found with the book. Michno uses the Indian accounts to explode a fairly large number of myths about the battle and its participants, particuarly Gall, Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull. He also winds up with the only really convincing version I have read of the disposition and movements of Custer's men during the various stages leading up to the classic hilltop "Last Stand."

In the past 50 years academic historians have largely retreated completely from any desire to find out or recount what "actually" happened in any historical event. Instead, the event is used only as the thinnest of pretexts to grind various ideological axes. Custer's defeat was being used in this way almost the second Libby Custer died, more than 70 years ago. So it's doubly refreshing to find a history book where the facts are still the focus of concern.

This book is not, and is not intended to be, a complete account of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. It is best read as a companion to other standard works on the battle, such as Gray's.

Michno's work is a good effort to place the participants of the Little Big Horn on the battle field within a realistic time frame. The time-motion idea, used by Michno in Lakota Noon, was used by John Gray in Custer's Last Campaign, (another useful book on the battle). The work is an interesting read.

Michno makes a valiant effort to de-bunk a number of long-standing myths about the Little Big Horn battle; his theories are well developed and credible. They may or may not be correct, but his ideas are as valid as any forwarded yet.

There were three minor problems with this text. First, the work could have (and should have) drawn upon the testimony of the Crow participants in the battle, particularly Curley. Curley's claim that some troops (probably Companies E and F) actually made it to the mouth of Medicine Tail Coulee is is direct conflict with Michno's beliefs and he should have made an effort to acknowledge or refute this claim. Second, all of the recent writers about the Little Big Horn, including Fox, Michno, and a host of others, seem to be unable to agree as to what to call the various ravines, coulees, ridges, etc. Some unified effort needs to be made to standardize names, e.g., Luce Ridge by Michno should be the same as Luce Ridge by the Park Service. Third, all the recent writers seem to enjoy taking mean-spirited pot shots at each other's ideas. I realize that a healty discussion is important and its necessary to acknowledge differences and inconsistencies, but it should be done in a civilized and professional manner.

This fine book stands with the few really well thought out accounts of the Battle of the Little Big Horn. The Herculean task of trying to make sense of all the Indian testimony is done very well here. Michno's discussions at the end of each section helps point out what is plausible and what is not. Michno does not simply swallow as absolutely true all the Indian testimony (Indians could exaggerate and distort as well as Marcus Reno and Benteen could). The importance of this book is twofold in my opinion. It discredits (and rightly so) much of what Richard A. Fox claims in his archaeological study of battlefield shell casings, and it claims the fighting at Last Stand Hill went on a lot longer than the testimony at Reno's court of inquiry admitted. Obviously this has huge implications for Reno and Benteen, who, if true, were hardly blameless for the debacle, to put it kindly. See Lary Sklenar's analysis in "To Hell with Honor" to explore this aspect of the controversy. Just what did they see at Weir Point if Michno's theory is correct? One can only wonder. Highly recommended.

First published in 1969 and reissued in 1988 with a new preface by the author, this is the one that started it all. This book is required reading and you will be tested. Best Sellers magazine says of Custer Died for your Sins, "nauseated by the traditional Indian image, (Deloria) asserts the worth if not the dignity of the redman and blasts the political, social, and religious forces that perpetrate the Little Big Horn and wigwam stereotyping of his people." Deloria shines his distinctive light on Indian missions, federal relations, Hollywood stereotypes, and community leadership, to name a few. Here began the critique of anthropology to be continued in Indians and Anthropologists, also featured on this website. One of the most notable chapters of this heavy little book discusses the Civil Rights Movement and compares Native American and African American civil rights issues.

What impressed me most about this book was its emphasis that imperialistic exploitation is not a dead relic of a past we Anglos are ashamed of and wish to forget. The fun continues, and it makes little difference what we call it: manifest destiny, bringing civilization to the primitives, or new world order.

Another point: we've been long overdue for a Deloria-style criticism of Anglos who exploit Indian folklore and beliefs. I refer to those who claim esoteric knowledge from Native shamans and all the rest of it. What such folks, including the anthropologists and social scientists who pretend more objectivity, never ask themselves is: do I have any right to make a profit and gain a reputation from the people I claim to have learned from? What do they get out of it? Does it benefit them or harm them? (The claim that Indian people don't need any kind of concrete benefits because they aren't "materialistic" is particularly nauseating.)

At one point, while contemplating doing some interviews with local Indians about their experience of being blinkered, baffled, and b.s.ed for 250 years, I reread parts of this book--particularly the "we want to be left alone" parts--and decided that I lacked the temerity even to ask for such interviews. Deloria suggests that no research of any kind be done that isn't approved in council and that doesn't clearly demonstrate some use to the Indians themselves. I would also suggest to other Anglo readers that before they involve themselves in matters indigenous they be very honest about their motivations--particularly where any notions of being "helpful" might occur. Our "helpfulness" has been genocidal and even now perpetrates stereotypes, as Indians may tell you if you're genuinely receptive to the feedback.

Books like this are a good reminder that the true primitive is he who goes on colonizing others--intellectually, religiously, economically--without having the courage to look at his own dark side as it flourishes in the here and now.

This is a great book. Vine Deloria is an interesting author and he brings across good ideas.
As for the few people who believe that they hold no responsibility because their ancestors imigrated after 1900, well that's not true. Everyone hold responsibility, because Native Americans are still being mistreated. As late as the last half of century Native women were being sterilized without being told what was happening.
Our bones and cultural are being dishonored by "scholars" And all those people who want to help Natives. They treat them like little children. If that's not disrespect...
Deloria brings out what so many want to keep hidden.
All of his books are worth reading.

To read about Custer this is the best place to start. Utley gives a great frame work of Custer's life from his pre-cadet days, courtship, Civil War days (noticed by McClellan which starts it all) and captures his post war duties of reconstruction duties, Kansas-Nebraska-Oklahoma campaigns, court martial, Battle of Waschita, hobnobbing in New York and Washington, Yellowstone Survey of 1873, the Black Hills exploration, political conflicts, Washington and Grant episode and of course the LBH. Also reveals perhaps a weakness in frontier military life such as the remoteness followed by extended leave for officers including Custer. Objective in that Utley traces some questioning financial aspirations of Custer that may even have involved sutlers on a small scale while later he serves, perhaps as a patsy for the democrats, as a political foil against the Grant admnistration in reference to malfeasance with military supplies and sutler relations. Only wish their was even more material on Custer but you do get a good picture of the man including his racuous fun loving side. The book also demonstrates that Custer treated friends and family well and that those that were not were not fond of him. Supports the often quoted "loved or hated".

This biography of George Armstrong Custer devotes most of its pages to his post Civil War career. Most people only know that he died at the Little Bighorn battle; they know the legend or the symbol, not the real person. Chapter 1 discusses his legend from 1876 to the present. Before his last campaign Custer charged the Grant administration with fraud and corruption. So whether he was a "victim of Grant's Indian policy" or a "foolhardy glory hunter" depended on the politics of the beholder.

Custer's postwar career depended on the support of Sherman and Sheridan ("Custer never let me down"). Since the Indians kept far away from the railroads, building the Northern Pacific railroad would ethnically cleanse the northern Dakota territory. The railroads were given tens of thousands of square miles of land ("sunblasted in summer, frozen in winter" p.125). They could not be sold to settlers until Indians were removed and neutralized. Settlers would then buy railroad lands, then use the railroad to transport their produce and supplies. The army's task was to implement this political policy; they only followed orders. There were treaties such as at Medicine Lodge in October 1867. But the Indians had no idea that they were giving up the country they claimed as their own (p.59).

The announced purpose of the Black Hills Expedition of 1874 was to find a site for a new fort, and for scientific exploration. The discovery of gold meant that miners would flock to these Indian lands via the Northern Pacific. The chief geologist, and Lt. Col. Fred Grant, cast doubt on this report: it might have been planted (p.141)! These lands could not be developed while the Indians held title, unless a war was created to negate the treaty (p.147). The Interior Dept. issued an ultimatum to the Sitting Bull bands: move to the Great Sioux Reservation or be driven in (p.156). But the Indians were immobilized in winter! Their failure to migrate was used to start a war. The military campaign started in April 1876. Custer believed that the Indians should be civilized into Christian farmers, but "if I were an Indian I often think that I would prefer to adhere to the free open plains rather than submit to a reservation" (p.149).

Just before his last campaign Custer testified against the actions of Secretary of War Belknap. Was he looking for some heroic action to gain popular acclaim? Was he suffering from any ailment that could affect his judgment? Chapter 9 discusses the "Judgments" on the defeat. Utley wonders if Custer received his chest wound at the beginning of the battle, and this demoralized and confused their defense? This would account for much that is puzzling about the battle (p.199). Those paintings of "Custer's Last Stand" are imagined. The Sioux fired their rifles and arrows from long range while concealed (p.190). They were too smart for a "Charge of the Light Brigade".

I have been an avid reader of Custer related literature
through the years and this is simply the best book on the market
on George Armstrong Custer. As a graduate student at Mississippi
State University and taking a course on the American West I gave
a lecture on Custer and recommended this book to the class.
Mr. Utley gives great detail on Custer's life. As with any
reader of Custer the debate rages on about General Terry's orders
to Custer and if they were obeyed or not. The author brought
out something I had not read before and that being the affidavet
of a cook who overheard a conservation between Terry and Custer.
A great book on Custer and especially on the Battle of the
Little Bighorn. Also, being a Civil War buff I liked the way the author mentioned how former Confederate generals were some
of Custer's biggest defenders after the battle.
If one were looking for a starting place on Custer this book
would be the one.

I knew little about George Custer before reading Mr. Wert's book. I found it to be a well documented, balanced, but limited view of Custer's life and career. Wert provides a view of Custer that is different from the traditional found in average text books. This is the story of a fearless, and courageous American Cavalryman who possessed the traditional qualities that make a great military leader. It also tells the story of a man who has faults and vices like any other. What pleased me most about the book was the extensive documentation effort put forth by Mr. Wert, and the fact that he would always tell the reader whenever he was making an assumption that was not based on tangible documentation. I believe this is a must read for anyone wanting to learn about George Custer, especially his military experiences.

Most people know little of George Armstrong Custer except of his death on the Little Big Horn river on June 25, 1876. (Was he the last General to lead his troops into battle, and die?) In his 36 years he lived in very interesting times. He wanted fame and glory, and bought it on a Sunday afternoon. "Custer has been the subject of more books and articles than any American except Abraham Lincoln" (p.9). He was also controversial. This book covers both the Civil War and the postwar years, and is based upon recent scholarship and research. The Bibliography has seven pages of unpublished sources and twenty pages of published sources.

The Civil War meant an early graduation from West Point, and Custer was sent to the Second Cavalry and Bull Run. Brevet Captain Custer was promoted to Brigadier General in 1863. He was one of the youngest Union Generals in the Civil War. He adopted a brilliant crimson necktie that was copied by his troops (the 'red badge of courage'?). Custer and his 7th Michigan defeated JEB Stuart's Invincibles to help win the battle of Gettysburg. Custer gained the confidence and admiration of the entire brigade (p.101). There was no question of his bravery, leadership qualities, or skill in combat (p.102).

Thousands of square miles of land were given to the railroads. They would profit when white settlers bought this land, grew crops, and used the railroads for transportation. The Army was used to pacify the Indians on the Great Plains, and ethnically cleanse these lands. The Indians fought back in many battles, but lost. Peace treaties were made to place tribes on reservations. Forts were built to protect settlers and towns. Cavalry was used on these vast plains, but were limited by their wagon trains. The army's job was to keep the Indians on the reservation.

In 1873 the Northern Pacific sought military protection for its planned railroad thru Montana and Wyoming. On August 4, 1873 Custer and about 90 troops scouted the Yellowstone. They were attacked by 300 Sioux. The troops retreated to the cottonwood trees and held them off. When their ammunition ran low, Custer mounted a counterattack and the Sioux fled. The cavalry with discipline, fire-power (Spencer rifles), and leadership could oppose a larger force of warriors. Three years later Custer's luck ran out. The last chapters tell all about Custer's Last Stand.

I completely enjoyed this book. I have read it twice and keep a copy for reference. Mr. Wert tells an exciting story of possibly the most maligned military leader in American history. The reader gets a feel of what the real Custer was. Not a super-hero of the wild west and not the evil egomanic that has been put forth by some revisionist. Custer was above all a solider doing his duty and except for one fatal day in June 1876, he did it better than most. Great job Mr. Wert.