What impact did Libbie Custer have on her husband’s legacy?
Her impact was tremendous, because even officers who didn’t like Custer—Frederick Benteen, for example—respected her and were reluctant to voice adverse public opinions about her husband. The same went for writers: No one wanted to hurt her or get her dander up, because if they did, she’d call one of her many officer friends, such as Edward Godfrey, who had been at the battle, and get them to write a rejoinder. She also wrote three very well-received books on her life with Custer, and there isn’t a single word of criticism of him. She burnished Custer’s reputation for a long time, until she died in 1933.
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What about Frederick Whittaker?
Whittaker, who would later become of the best dime-novel authors, wrote the first biography of Custer, which appeared a scant six months after the battle. It was quite a massive tome, and he liberally borrowed from Custer’s own My Life on the Plains. But Whittaker had been a cavalry officer during the Civil War, and he was an intelligent observer, so his writing on Custer’s wartime activities are the best thing in the book. There’s little sign of an editor’s hand, though, and it’s sorely needed. But he talked to some of the battle participants, and he was one of the first to criticize Benteen and Reno for their roles in the battle; it’s largely due to him that the Reno Court of Inquiry came about. Of course he’s very pro-Custer, and was also influenced by Mrs. Custer, with whom he met and corresponded.
Frederic F. Van de Water?
Van de Water was a novelist and maybe the best pure writer to attempt a biography of Custer. But Glory-Hunter is clearly anti-Custer—the first of many—and a close reading shows that he was selective in his sources. He almost always slants things so that whenever Custer accomplishes anything of note, it seems to be due to luck or happenstance rather than skill. That said, his book, which not so coincidentally was published in 1934, a year after Libbie Custer died, is a smooth read.
Jay Monahan?
His Custer is probably the best evenhanded biography of Custer, at least until two recent ones: Cavalier in Buckskin, which is the best short biography and marvelously written and researched, and Louise Barnett’s Touched by Fire, also excellent and the best full-scale examination of the man.
Evan S. Connell?
Son of the Morning Star is a great book by a great writer—I’d pay to read Connell’s grocery lists, because he’s simply incapable of writing a bad sentence. He uncovered a good deal of original material for the book, but it’s not footnoted, so of course for a historian it’s difficult to use as a source. It’s more a grand meditation on the American psyche and character presented through the prism of one of the great battles in our history and its participants. It’s anything but a straightforward account of the battle, as mine is.
Robert Utley?
He’s one of the best writers ever to concentrate his efforts on the American West. His books are always impeccably researched and elegantly written. I can’t wait to read his next book, which will be the best ever on Geronimo as soon as it’s published. His biography of Sitting Bull, The Lance and the Shield, might be the greatest Indian biography I’ve ever read.
And your own impact on Custer’s legacy?
I go back to Morrison’s three guideposts: vigor, accuracy and objectivity. I strove for all three. Reviewers have been kind, but to use an unavoidable cliché, only time will tell.
On a lighter note, what’s the best movie about Custer and why?
There’s certainly not a great film on the subject. I’m not as high as some are on the TV version of Son of the Morning Star—weak casting and TV’s budgetary restrictions, as I see it. They Died With Their Boots On boasts better casting—Flynn is great as Custer, and Olivia de Havilland is the best Libbie, hands down—but after Custer’s cadet days and the Civil War, it’s not very good, and the battle is complete fiction….I think the material’s there for a great film, provided a topnotch screenwriter and director are involved. Has anyone asked Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie if they’re interested? Or Viggo Mortensen and Natalie Portman? I’m only half-kidding. These days, it almost always takes interested star power to get a big-budget movie made.
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10 Comments to “Interview with George Custer Expert James Donovan”
As for the new Alamo book, there are PLENTY of realiable, military, Mexican side accounts, all written down shortly after the battle, in pen. However, one has to do their research, however, they(the mss) are practically under our noses! These accounts are backed up by Mexican army charts, and official dispatches, papers, and Mexican field reports. No tepee here. Also, I hope that Mr. Donovan does not compare the Alamo and Thermopylae as if they are the same in spirit and purpose. Many people wrongfully do this erroneous comparison, however, they are as different as night and day. For instance, the ancient Greeks were really defending their home ground from an invader, however, the so-called, Anglo-Texans were in the process of STEALING land! See the difference, folks? I know you do.
By Roger Borroel on Apr 8, 2009 at 4:32 pm
Arrogance in abundance. Humility non-existent.
By tjaldie23@peoplepc.com on Apr 9, 2009 at 12:18 am
I’m a big fan of the West. It seems that Mr. Donovan has done is
homework and you must respect that. I agree with Mr. Borroel about the Alamo and Thermopylae.
By Bill Stalzer on Apr 22, 2009 at 11:56 am
Nice article. Haven’t read the book yet, but I agree with one statement he made that kind of makes me want to read it. All too often historians have a specific point they wish to make, and even if unintentionally, tend to search for items that support that particular point, sometimes to the exclusion of other facts that may muddy the waters a bit.
This is why I don’t think I would read a book by Mr. Borroel. His comment above tends to make one think that he has already reached such a conclusion, and his book would probably support it. I much prefer to get all the facts from all sides, then determine for myself these things. So I will probably get Mr. Donavan’s book.
By Dale Decker on Apr 28, 2009 at 12:12 am
I am a 30 year Custer “buff” and have read dozens of books on the battle, been to the battlefield every year, re-enacted the battle, etc., and I truly believe “A Terrible Glory” is the best book on the subject in many years, maybe the best of all with the possible exception of William Graham’s “The Custer Myth”. He has done an excellent job of synthesizing all the available information, the new with the old, and in a very readable fashion. I think it will be the new “gold standard” among Custer scholars.
By Jon Heitland on May 12, 2009 at 4:03 pm
Like the life of Sinatra, the full scope of Custer and his accension into the american consciousness will probably prove too big for Hollywood, and too politically incorrect to even attempt to objectify in the wake of the red mans plight in our nation. I would pay to see the definitive portrayal of Custer in an Olver Stone film however, if for no other reason than to just piss off the status quo. I think that alone would have pleased Custer.
By Peter Thompson on May 24, 2009 at 10:15 pm
I have yet to read the book, however, many accounts of the resulting battle tend to not include contributing factors.Custer’s hatred of Ulysses S. Grant and his preoccupation with becoming the next President of the USA resulted in his haste, leaving gattling guns behind as not to slow the 7th Cavary down so he could travel to Washington to declare his candidacy. Disentary, among the troops. Being undergunned, single-shot breechloaders vs. the indians Winchesters. The troops carrying 4-months backpay having been paid just before the campaign.
By Myles Keough on May 25, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I have just finished Mr. Donovan’s superb book and want to tell him what a great work of history he produced. I too, like many others have read many of the more recommended books on the subject of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, and Mr. Donovan’s book is by far the most readable, complete, and entertaining. Truly a modern classic of history. Well done sir! Thanks for confirming my conclusions as to Custer’s greatest mistakes. I agree that his mistakes were violating the principle of mass and lack of any reconnaissance of the actual objective area. His narrative just feels so complete as to allow the reader to truly reach finality on the subject.
By LaMar Stellfox on Jun 8, 2009 at 12:28 am
I would like to know what clothing, equipment the 7th Cavalry wore at Little Big Horn. We are trying to do an authentic copy of the troopers gear. Thanks, Richard
By Richard Jesse on Jul 9, 2009 at 12:26 am
I have not read Mr Donovan’s book so I don’t know what conclusions he arrives at regarding how the battle onfolded. But of the Custer books and narratives I have read the one I found the most compelling (as far as how the battle itself unfolded) was Sole Survivor by Douglas W. Ellison. I’m not talking about the sole survivor (Frank Finkel) that he presents in this book, but rather the troop movements (Custer’s)and most probable strategies employed. I think archaeological evidence that was later found in the scientific investigation after the grass fire on the battlefield bears his theory out.
By NorPlains on Nov 18, 2009 at 3:34 am