Following the Guidon

by Elizabeth Bacon Custer

Behind every great man there's a great woman. This well-known phrase works especially well with George Armstrong Custer and Elizabeth B. Custer. Throughout George’s famous campaigns in the Civil War and on the Great Plains, Elizabeth was never too far away. She joined the army wherever it travelled, forgoing a comfortable lifestyle to be by his side as they travelled the breadth of the country. Following the Guidon charts Elizabeth’s experiences during this period when George was campaigning in the West against Native American tribes. This book provides fascinating insight into life on the plains in the aftermath of the Civil War from the perspective of a remarkable woman who followed the army and her husband everywhere. This book also includes Elizabeth Custer’s two other books, Boots and Saddles and Tenting on the Plains, to give the reader the full three volumes of her works. Elizabeth B. Custer was an American author and public speaker, and the wife of Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer, United States Army. Left nearly destitute in the aftermath of her husband's death, she became an outspoken advocate for his legacy through her popular books and lectures. Largely as a result of her decades of campaigning on his behalf, General Custer's iconic image as the gallant fallen hero amid the glory of Custer's Last Stand was a canon of American history for almost a century after his death. Following the Guidon was first published in 1890 and Elizabeth passed away in 1933.

Genres: History, Biography

329 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 14, 1890

About the author

Elizabeth Clift Bacon Custer was an American author and public speaker, and the wife of Brevet Major General George Armstrong Custer, United States Army. She spent most of their marriage in relatively close proximity to him despite his numerous military campaigns in the American Civil War and subsequent posting on the Great Plains as a commanding officer in the United States Cavalry.

Left nearly destitute in the aftermath of her husband's death, she became an outspoken advocate for his legacy through her popular books and lectures. Largely as a result of her decades of campaigning on his behalf, Custer's iconic portrayal as the gallant fallen hero amid the glory of 'Custer's Last Stand' was a canon of American history for almost a century after his death. - Wikipedia

Reviews

[Julie Richert-Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I anticipated experiencing persistent outrage, knowing this book, and her others, were Libby Custer's lifework in defending and restoring the tarnished reputation of her husband. So . . . who could possibly defend Custer? However, it is easy to set that aside and focus on experiencing her first hand accounts of life in a cavalry unit, the glory and ferocity of the unsettled Plains, the lively characters from our History books that she knew intimately, and an overall account of this monumental time of change on the Frontier, recalled with genuine warmth, humor, and a wonderful literary style. The photos and sketches which accompany are truly remarkable and all has the effect of bringing this snapshot of Western American History startlingly to life.

Links: The Day the World Ended at Little Bighorn: A Lakota History
Killing Custer: The Battle of Little Big Horn and the Fate of the Plains Indians

[NDH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 1890 work, Mrs. Custer’s third book about her life on the plains with The General, is full of the anecdotes and stories one has come to expect from her, with little repetition. It’s very enjoyable.
This particular edition, however, part of the “Words and Pictures Series” by John Cirignani, is ok but a bit of a disappointment. It could use some maps, and thoughtful editorial comment would help situate events and places chronologically and in the larger context. My biggest complaint is about his selection (and placement) of pictures. Do we really need a picture of the Astor Library in NYC where Mrs. Custer did some of her research? And could we maybe have the dates (or approximate dates) when the photos were taken? Several times, the author mentions in her text specific photographs which it would be nice to have had right there to look at.
Overall, the “Words and Pictures” series is a good idea but not very well executed.

[Michael W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Different and Important Perspective

Well written and very descriptive! Mrs. Custer “grit” is the strongest take away for me. Her experiences as she lived and relished them are in constant view. Highly enjoyable!