jjares reviewed The Battle of the Little Bighorn: The History and Controversy of Custer's Last Stand on + 3270 more book reviews
This is the retelling of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, told almost minute-by-minute. It also tells of the actions leading up to the fight, prefacing it with what was going on at the time between the Indians, the settlers, and the military. Finally, it tells the aftermath of the battle. I liked that the author mentions Custer's wife, and her efforts to protect her husband's name.
However, this book did not explain well enough the effects of Libby Custer. She had a long widowhood (she lived until 1933) and her extensive writings and books, as well as Custer's journals and writings, skewed the story of the Last Stand until after her death. Mrs. Custer defended her husband's legacy with a vengeance. The military leaders immediately blamed Custer for the loss of the battle. However, Mrs. Custer muted those voices and protected her husband's name. It wasn't until after her death that a true picture could be derived of the events. There will always be controversy because such a long time elapsed before a true account could be made (1933 - Mrs. Custer died; 1876 - battle occurred = 57 years before a true account could be made).
However, this book did not explain well enough the effects of Libby Custer. She had a long widowhood (she lived until 1933) and her extensive writings and books, as well as Custer's journals and writings, skewed the story of the Last Stand until after her death. Mrs. Custer defended her husband's legacy with a vengeance. The military leaders immediately blamed Custer for the loss of the battle. However, Mrs. Custer muted those voices and protected her husband's name. It wasn't until after her death that a true picture could be derived of the events. There will always be controversy because such a long time elapsed before a true account could be made (1933 - Mrs. Custer died; 1876 - battle occurred = 57 years before a true account could be made).
