THE CONTROVERSIAL LIFE OF GEORGE ARMSTRONG CUSTER. de Wert, Jeffry D - 1996

New York: Simon & Schuster, 1996. 462 pp, large 8vo (9 7/16" H). B&w plates, maps. "George Armstrong Custer has been so heavily mythologized that the human being has been all but lost. Now, in the first complete biography in decades, Jeffry Wert reexamines the life of the famous soldier to give us Custer in all his colorful complexity. Although remembered today as the loser at Little Big Horn, Custer was the victor of many cavalry engagements in the Civil War. He played an important role in several battles in the Virginia theater of war, including the Shenandoah campaign. Renowned for his fearlessness in battle, he was always in front of his troops, leading the charge. His men were fiercely loyal to him, and he was highly regarded by Sheridan and Grant as well. But when he was assigned to the Indian wars on the Plains, life changed drastically for Custer. (The author) carefully examines the events around the defeat at Little Big Horn, drawing on recent archaeological findings and the latest scholarship. His evenhanded account of the dramatic battle puts Custer's performance, and that of his subordinates, in proper perspective." Very light wrinkling at top of spine. Dust jacket has crease down rear panel.. Not Signed. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good+.