Elizabeth Bacon Custer's 'Following the Guidon' provides readers with a vivid and detailed account of her experiences as a military wife during the Indian Wars. Written in a straightforward and informative style, the book offers a firsthand look at the challenges and hardships faced by women who followed their husbands into the frontier. Through her engaging narratives and observations, Custer sheds light on the often overlooked role of women in shaping the history of the American West. 'Following the Guidon' stands out as a valuable historical document that offers valuable insights into the social and cultural context of the 19th century American military life. Elizabeth Bacon Custer, as the wife of General George Armstrong Custer, had a unique perspective on the events she chronicles in the book. Her personal experiences and interactions with key figures of the time lend authenticity and credibility to her accounts. Custer's dedication to preserving the memory of her husband and his fellow soldiers is evident throughout the book. I highly recommend 'Following the Guidon' to readers interested in American history, military history, and women's studies. Custer's compelling narrative and keen observations make this book a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the American frontier experience.

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.