"From West Point maverick to Civil war hero, George Custer basked in the spotlight of attention and could have retired on his laurels. He considered political office, penned a best-selling memoir, and could have lived out the rest of his life as the greatest cavalry officer in American history. Instead, he chose to stay in the Army, and continue his cavalry exploits against the Plains Indians, where he met his demise while commanding the 7th Cavalry at the battle of the Little Bighorn. Controversy and condemnation have tarnished his legacy ever since. This new biography discusses Custer's family and personal life alongside the details of his military career to add context to the puzzling dichotomies of his life."--Back cover.

Preface -- Introduction -- From boyhood to West Point -- The Civil War's boy general -- Indian Wars -- Little Bighorn -- Conclusion -- Bibliography -- Index.