Custer: The Making of a Young General

by Edward G. Longacre

The name George Armstrong Custer looms large in American history, specifically for his leadership in the American Indian Wars and unfortunate fall at the Battle of Little Bighorn. But before his time in the West, Custer began his career fighting for the Union in the Civil War. In Custer: The Making of a Young General, legendary Civil War historian Edward G. Longacre provides fascinating insight into this often-overlooked period in Custer's life. In 1863, under the patronage of General Alfred Pleasonton, commander of the Army of the Potomac's horsemen, a young but promising twenty-three-year-old Custer rose to the unprecedented rank of brigadier general and was placed in charge of the untried Michigan Calvary Brigade. Although over time Custer would bring out excellence in his charges, eventually leading the Wolverines to prominence, his first test came just days later at Hanover, then Hunterstown, and finally Gettysburg. In these campaigns and subsequent ones, Custer's reputation for surging ahead regardless of the odds (almost always with successful results that appeared to validate his calculating recklessness) was firmly established.
More than just a history book, Custer: The Making of a Young General is a study of Custer's formative years, his character and personality; his attitudes toward leadership; his tactical preferences, especially for the mounted charge; his trademark brashness and fearlessness; his relations with his subordinates; and his attitudes toward the enemy with whom he clashed repeatedly in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Custer goes into greater depth and detail than any other study of Custer's Civil War career, while firmly refuting many of the myths and misconceptions regarding his personal life and military service. Fascinating and insightful, it belongs on the shelf of every history buff.

Genres: Biography, History, Civil War, Military History

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2018

Reviews

[Stanky Leg II · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was more of a military history than a biography. The battles were exciting. I liked reading about Custer’s daring strategies and how he always nearly escaped danger. I also liked how he slowly won over Libbje Bacon’s heart. Great read.

[Shrike58 · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, George Armstrong Custer has never been someone I particularly admired, or felt that much need to learn about. But when I noticed that Edward Longacre, probably the leading expert on cavalry in the U.S. Civil War had a book out on Custer's service during the late unpleasantness of the 1860s, I felt that I'd get an accurate assessment of Custer. So, the big dichotomy here is how a man who apparently made a mission of skating through West Point with as little effort as possible, turned into such a determined careerist once he was actually on active service. Longacre really doesn't have a great answer to that, except to note that he doesn't find Custer to be an especially complicated individual, as opposed to being a bundle of contradictions. Perhaps the answer is that when actual responsibility was thrust upon Custer he realized that he had to live up to the moment and, in an army dominated by men past their prime, raw drive and energy counted for a lot.

[Ernest Spoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

George Armstrong "Autie" Custer is one of the most controversial figures in Nineteenth Century US military history. Was he a vainglorious self-promoter? Or a courageous, battle savvy leader who could wriggle his troops out of seemingly impossible situations?

Seems he was a bit of both. And this volume tries to strike an even balance, though I think it leans toward showing Custer in a favorable light. But Custer was a contradictory, complex character--highly intelligent and well-read man but at the same time, as his West Point career illustrates, academically lazy.

I was left with the impression this book may be the first in a multi volume biography, as it ends in autumn 1863 before US Grant takes over command of the Army of the Potomac.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

One has to have a love/hate relationship with Custer.

On one hand, you have someone who made a name for himself - making a mark during the Civil War, and his eventual death on the battlefield at Little Bighorn.

On the other - you have someone who epitomizes laziness - literally doing the least that he could to make it where he felt he should be, was not one to follow orders (hence the Little Bighorn fiasco), and a real contempt for some.

Good book, great for those who are wanting to understand Gen. Custer, with a well-rounded look at his life, and death.

[Al Lock · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, pretty good, although not really all that in-depth. Gives a good overview of George Armstrong Custer from birth until he actually convinces Libby to marry him (while a Union General commanding the Michigan Brigade of Cavalry). There are a couple of spots where the author clearly doesn't really understand Custer (the author not being able to understand why Custer flaunted authority at the Academy vs. strongly supporting authority in battle, for example), but overall it is a very readable book, although it does seem a be a bit brief at times.

[Ken]

Custer has always been something of a lightening rod, and its usually you like him or you dont. This book tries to explain the man and his actions. It covers Custer as a young man, his time at West Piont and on staff with several prominent generals. Hiw he went from bottom of his West Point class to brigade comander in 2 years.

[Brooks Dreyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was younger, a favorite movie of mine was “They Died With Thier Boots On” about Custers last stand. Custer portrayed by Errol Flynn. While reading of this young officers triumphs and bravery, i was also watching a movie in my head. It was that good and vivid.

[Patricia Phillips · Rating 5 out of 5]

Early days

Succinct bio of a young officer in development. Good writing and research on early battles and chasing Libby and other girls.

[Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable read

The book moves along quickly and details Custer’s life up until 23 years of age. Having studied the Custer history on the planes, this is a great start to understand his earlier career and life. The book is also a substantial resource regarding the location of other pertinent Custer historical material.