Following the Guidon
Elizabeth Bacon Custer
Nov 2022 · DigiCat
Ebook
235
Pages
family_home
Eligible
info
reportRatings and reviews aren’t verified Learn More
About this ebook
In "Following the Guidon," Elizabeth Bacon Custer delves into her life as the wife of General George Armstrong Custer during the Indian Wars of the late 19th century. This memoir, rich with personal anecdotes and vivid descriptions, paints a complex portrait of military life and the challenges faced by women on the frontier. Custer employs a first-person narrative style that is both intimate and engaging, creating a blend of historical context and personal reflection. As she navigates themes of loyalty, courage, and patriotism, the reader is transported into a world of tumultuous change, underscored by a lyrical prose that encapsulates the trials and tribulations experienced during this transformative era in American history. Elizabeth Bacon Custer, born into a prominent New York family, was instilled with a sense of adventure and a commitment to her husband's legacy. Her experiences accompanying Custer on military campaigns provided her with a unique perspective on the socio-political climate of her time, sparking her desire to document the interplay between gender roles and military leadership. This memoir is not solely an account of events but also reflects her profound emotional journey through love and loss. "Following the Guidon" is an essential read for anyone interested in American history, military narratives, and the often-overlooked perspectives of women in wartime. Custer's eloquent storytelling invites readers to explore the complexities of her life while revealing broader truths about a nation at war. This memoir not only honors her husband's legacy but also stands as a testament to the resilience of those who lived on the periphery of history.
About the author
Elizabeth Bacon Custer (April 8, 1842 – April 4, 1933) was an American author and the wife of General George Armstrong Custer, the renowned U.S. cavalry commander. She was born in Monroe, Michigan, and spent much of her early life in a setting that poised her for her later role as a chronicler of military life on the American frontier. Following her marriage to Custer in 1864, Elizabeth, often referred to as 'Libbie,' became deeply involved in her husband's career, accompanying him to various military postings. Her intimate knowledge of the rigors, challenges, and joys of military life lent authenticity to her writings. After the infamous Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, where General Custer and his troops met their demise, Elizabeth was left a widow. Turning to writing as a means of coping with her loss and preserving her husband's legacy, she penned several works. 'Following the Guidon' (1890) is among her most famous, providing an intimate glimpse into her life on the plains with the Seventh Cavalry. Elizabeth Custer's narrative style is personal and engaging, filled with vivid characterizations of army life. She sought to honor her late husband's memory and combat the negative press surrounding his last battle, shaping her narratives with a combination of romantic idealism and staunch loyalty. Her contributions to the literature of the American West offer valuable perspectives on this tumultuous period in American history.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
