For more than a century, Americans have been captivated by the legend of General George Armstrong Custer. But the various truths of Custer's life and last stand prove elusive. Why are we so taken with the myth and the so-called mystery behind the man?

In a field teeming with highly partisan and wildly speculative treatments of Custer, Louise Barnett enters with a volume widely acclaimed by both military and cultural historians as the most balanced account of his life and legend. Custer's life spans two great eras of American history, and Barnett's commanding work pushes beyond the existing literature to a comprehensive view of this controversial figure.

A comprehensive and balanced biography of the controversial George Armstrong Custer.

About the Author
Louise Barnett is a professor of English and American studies at Rutgers University and the author of a number of books, including The Ignoble Savage: American Literary Racism, 1790-1890, and Ungentlemanly Acts: The Army's Notorious Incest Trial.

Reviews
"Provocative, boldly theoretical, marked by often keen analysis, and beautifully written... No one who writes on Custer in the future will be able to ignore [Barnett's] book."--Paul Andrew Hutton, Civil War Times "There is much unusual and useful information about life on the plains, Indian warfare, the danger and fear of captivity by Indians, and especially, the relationship between Custer and his wife."--New York Times Book Review "The fine account of his 'mythic afterlife' makes Ms. Barnett's book unique."--Byron Farwell, Washington Times "A sharp, original, and engaging study of Custer's life and myth which ... includes a first-rate account of the Little Bighorn."--Plain Dealer



Book Information
ISBN 9780803262669
Author Louise Barnett
Format Paperback
Page Count 540
Imprint Bison Books
Publisher University of Nebraska Press
Weight(grams) 771g