Custer: The Life of General George Armstrong Custer

by Jay Monaghan

"The Custer literature is voluminous and most of it is highly controversial. Through the tangle of charges and countercharges Jay Monaghan cuts a clear path in his fresh account of Custer's whole career. Where possible, Monaghan relies on original sources, and he appraises them with the sound judgment of the practiced historian he is. He is sympathetic with Custer but does not hesitate to show the man's foibles and failures. He presents no attorney's brief and yet he disproves a number of ill-founded accusations. . . ."

Genres: Biography, History, Civil War, Native Americans

479 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

Reviews

[Scott Umphrey]

Monaghan is very even-handed and he sprinkles novel-like descriptions through out the book.

[Mick Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

started the book off hoping to get more detail of custers life,I have read a few books about him.it seemed to get tied down in the civil war period,listing battles and companys he led.his relationship with Libby comes through rather rose tinted.he was a foolhardy man which is no disrespect most good leaders of men are.but towards the end I think he was used as a scape goat by the upper echelons of power.i couldn't get out of my mind Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in they died with their boots on,this never happened when I have read other books on Custer,very odd👀

[Thomas P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent, thorough, colorful, seemingly accurate story about the life of one of the U.S. military's most controversial figures. Although this book was written in the late 1950's, it would have been nice to have included a more in depth look into what actually may have occurred at Custer's "last stand" (though it would be easy to just say it was his own fault, as he was known to be a reckless leader at times).

[Rick Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although originally published in 1959, I found the book to be interesting, especially Custer's early years through the Civil War. Initially I thought the author was finding no fault with Custer's character, but later in the book I felt he took a more balanced approach to that topic.

[Jim Swike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returned by library. I liked what I read, but not enough to give a proper review. Enjoy!

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This work explores the life and death of George Armstrong Custer at the Little Big Horn. It also examines his tenure and position with the Seventh Cavalry.