Custer’s Trials by T.J. Stiles is a detailed biography of General George Armstrong Custer, challenging the conventional myths surrounding his life. Stiles portrays Custer as a complex and contradictory figure: a gifted and passionate leader who was also insecure, bigoted, and self-destructive. The book avoids focusing on the Battle of the Little Bighorn, instead offering a broader view of Custer's career, including his rise during the Civil War and his problematic interactions with Native Americans and politicians. Stiles delves into Custer’s quest for fame and wealth, revealing his flaws and contradictory nature, while also highlighting his heroism during wartime. The book provides a nuanced portrayal of a man who remains a mythic and enigmatic figure in American history.
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