ELIZABETH BACON CUSTER AND THE MAKING OF A MYTH.
Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1993. xxiii,419pp. Index. Bibliography. Photographs. Maps Notes. Epilogue. Blue cloth with navy cloth spine, title in gilt on spine. First edition, first printing. Fine copy. Fading to the spine of the dust jacket, else fine. This well written biography of Elizabeth Bacon Custer is based on the author’s meticulous research of her subject’s letters and diaries as well as contemporary and secondary sources. The first two-thirds of the book tells Libbie’s story through the disaster of the Little Big Horn. The last one-third deals with her efforts to preserve and enhance her husband’s legacy without which she would have no means of earning a living. As a result, she became a successful author and lecturer and achieved financial success. An important addition to Custer literature, it brings a fresh perspective and dimension to both the general and his wife.