Custer by Larry McMurtry

Custer-Larry McMurtry, 2012, 178 pages

The massacre at the Little Big Horn struck 19^th century America much the same way we in present day Untied States were struck by September 11, 2001. How could it be that: the “Boy General”, a hero of the Civil War from Bull Run through Appomattox, the Cavalier in Buckskins, could be laid low by mere savages?

What most do not know was that Custer was a very flawed individual. He graduated 34^th out of 34 from West Point. He was dashing and fearless on the Civil War battlefield, but had little regard for his men or his fellow officers. His fellow officers had even less regard for Custer.   

This biography is a “short form” biography of only 178 pages, and of that 178 pages there are over 100 photographs and illustrations. The photographs and illustrations alone make this book enjoyable.

I have never read anything by Larry McMurtry before, something I need to remedy.