A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn

In “ A Terrible Glory,” James Donovan has produced a fascinating and well-written history of the battle of the Little Bighorn, the events that led up to it, and the aftermath. Most interesting is Donovan's view that Custer was somewhat less rash and a better military leader than his current reputation would indicate, that he was more sympathetic to the plight of the Indians than Generals Sherman and Sheridan, the latter having uttered the infamous quote, “The only good Indian is a dead Indian,” and that the demise of Custer and the 7th Cavalry was the culmination of his following General Terry's orders to engage hostiles if contact is made. After the battle the cover up began and the blame was laid at Custer's feet. This book may or may not be the last word on Custer but it is a worthy place to start the exploration.