Custer: Cavalier in Buckskin

Oklahoma Western Biographies #1

by Robert M. Utley

George Armstrong Custer. The name evokes instant recognition among Americans and people around the world. No figure in the history of the American West has more powerfully moved the human imagination. This new, lavishly illustrated book combines over 300 photographs and paintings, many in color, with a revised edition of Robert M. Utley’s classic biography, Cavalier in Buckskin . Drawing on twelve years of additional research on Sitting Bull and the Battle of the Little Bighorn, Utley has dramatically changed his original interpretations of Custer’s Last Stand in this revised edition, and has brought the reference list completely up to date for the benefit of students, scholars, and western history buffs. Bringing to life vivid images of the western military frontier, Custer presents George Armstrong Custer, the man and the legend, and illuminates the challenges he faced in warfare with the Indians of the Great Plains.  

Genres: History, Biography, American History, Westerns, Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1988

About the author

A specialist in Native American history and the history of the American West, Robert Marshall Utley was a former chief historian of the National Park Service. He earned a Bachelor of Science in history from Purdue University in 1951, and an Master of Arts in history from Indiana University in 1952. Utley served as Regional Historian of the Southwest Region of the NPS in Santa Fe from 1957 to 1964, and as Chief Historian in Washington, D.C. from 1964 until his retirement in 1980.

Reviews

[Miltiadis Michalopoulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most objective and unbiased biography of General Custer. Professor Utley is an expert on the field. The book is luxuriously illustrated with many pictures and photos. Excellent.

[Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Bridging all personality extremes, Custer was a synonym for the lost cause, the forlorn hope, the total disaster looming momentarily in whatever context one applied it. This symbolism took the form of admonitory rhetoric, editorial commentary, political cartoons, and the one-liners of comedians. Nearly every political crisis brought forth a rash of cartoons depicting a beleaguered public figure, bristling with arrows and surrounded by fallen troops, standing alone atop the last-stand hill."

Building upon my review of Stiles' biography of Custer, I finally have a more complete picture of the end of Custer's life and his infamous last stand. Utley's prose is certainly not as flashy or poetic as Stiles, but it does the job and is infinitely clearer in describing military movements. His summary of lessons learned from Custer (that the man himself did not learn) was also useful for newcomers to this part of American history.

As for the aforementioned last stand, it seems clear to me that Custer is not the primary person at fault for the disaster. Yes, he underestimated the number of opponents he was facing, but so did every other commander on the field. Yes, he underestimated the willingness of the Lakota and the Cheyenne to fight due to racism and ignorance, but so did every other white commander on the field. He launched his attack without proper reconnaissance, but he had good reason for doing so. He divided his force in the face of larger numbers, but he had good reason to do so. Instead, a large portion of the blame should be placed on Reno and Benteen, with the former's cowardice and the latter's tardiness all but dooming Custer to certain defeat. Finally, at Little Bighorn, it just seems that Lady Luck finally gave up on Custer and said "no more, time to pay your debt." Everything usually went so right for him, but then everything went so wrong.

At least on a military level, the disaster was not entirely Custer's fault. Whether he deserved to lose for his past sins on the Washita or because of what he was fighting for, is a separate question of morality.

[Grant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A balanced biography of the famous and infamous general. Utley concludes that Custer was a successful, though far from flawless, military leader whose luck ran out at the Little Big Horn. His death on the battlefield made him a symbol for supporters and opponents all out of proportion to his real role.

[Teressa · Rating 5 out of 5]

"An Excellent Unbiased History of Custer"


CAVALIER IN BUCKSKIN was a treat to listen to on many levels. I listened to the audiobook written by ROBERT M. UTLEY and it was one I didn’t want to turn off. The life and legacy of George Armstrong Custer holds a fascinating place in American history that makes him one of the most bewildering yet iconic figures to date. I truly enjoyed listening to his story not only to learn more about his military service and duties but his personal life as well. This is an audiobook not to be missed. In my case, I live near Custer Hill and the Custer House and also the Cavalry Museum which are all historical places. The house is an almost exact replica of the original home which had burned down. I also live near where there were and are many Native American burial grounds. I’ve been to all the little communities that were established during the Indian Treaties and listening to this audiobook gave me chills thinking about all the history that surrounds me such as a small town nearby where every other year they hold a Native American Powwow.


This book gives an unbiased look at who Custer was from birth to when he attended West Point. It covers his career with the Army, from all his post stations to his ‘dash’ battle style and his many skirmishes. It details his dealings with the ‘Indians’ as well as his life with his wife Libby and why they never had children. Then there’s the famous “Custer’s Last Stand.” For me, he still remains elusive as to why he did what he did. It was a mindset of the times. It seems to me that he lived by the sword and died by the sword. Or in another word…karma.

I would definitely recommend listening to this audiobook not only for its historical value but also for the way in which it’s told. It’s very well researched and incredibly detailed. This history holds one of the most important places of our times. It’s a time that, with books such as this, will never be forgotten. It’s also a part of history that makes me wonder what it might be like had these events never happened. Where would the world be today? Where would we be today?

ROY LUNEL did an excellent job narrating this audiobook. He humanized Custer not only as a military and family man but also as a flawed man. It thrills me when a reader fits the story perfectly and he did just that. He spoke clearly and included voice inflections in the right places. All the way through the book he held the same pace with an upbeat cadence and gave this work an air of quality that was refreshing for this type of book. In my opinion this was a 5+ performance. It was outstanding. I highly recommend listening to this one.

Audiobook received in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Examines the personality of George Armstrong Custer from West Point to his defeat at the Little Bighorn. It also sheds light on the personalities of the people he surrounded himself with.

[F. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent study on the life of George Armstrong Custer. Probably my favorite work by historian Robert Utley. It's a work I find myself re-reading annually.