Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865 [Hardcover]

Edward G. Longacre (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 21, 1997

The Michigan Cavalry Brigade suffered the heaviest casualties of any Union cavalry unit in the Civil War. Best-known for its flamboyant commander, the Brigade played a central role in some of the Civil War's most crucial battles.

Dramatic coverage is given of the Brigade's critical defense of the Union line at Gettysburg on July 3, when J.E.B. Stuart's flank attack could have made Pickett's Charge a success. Custer and the Michigan Cavalry Brigade's key role in surrounding Lee's army at Appomattox is not widely known and is described in full detail in Longacre's compelling narrative.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A heady stew...Longacre distinctly contributes to better understanding of the 'Wolverines'...Replete with those delightful touches all Civil War buffs adore." -- Civil War CourierJuly, 2005 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Edward G. Longacre is the author of numerous biographies of Civil War generals. He is a recipient of the prestigious Fletcher Pratt Award for Civil War writing. He lives in Newport News, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press (October 21, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 093828987X
• ISBN-13: 978-0938289876
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,281,395 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insights into Civil War history, December 24, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865 (Hardcover)

The Michigan Cavalry Brigade achieved its' greatest triumphs under the command of George Armstrong Custer. The troops were greatly disappointed when he eventually moved on to higher command. Under his impetuous leadership the Brigade gained respect for the Union Cavalry and its' famous red ties, emulating Custer, were a badge of pride and honor. Books by members of the Michigan brigade make it clear that the youthful Custer was greatly respected by his troops. The book is a useful tome describing the times and experiences of this unit. Like most Civil War books it bypasses the hardships, disease and despondency of the troops in favor of describing the battle related history. The book is worthwhile reading for students of the war, cavalry and Custer.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Good Brigade History (but useless index), March 17, 2008

By 

Historicus "Historicus" (Pennsylvania USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865 (Hardcover)

As a history of the Michigan Brigade and its famous commander, this is a worthwhile addition to the library of Civil War and military history enthusiasts. It is well-written, engaging, and makes solid use of primary sources. Coverage of the formation of and early service of the various regiments is quite good.
My only two serious complaints are: Inadequate maps - a real flaw for a military history; A terrible index - undoubtedly not the author's fault, but the index is useless in that the vast majority of people, places and events described in the text are nowhere to be found in the index. This is the book's main problem and it handicaps the reader.
All that said, certainly a good item to have on your Civil War shelf.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Balanced and Detailed, August 25, 2011

By 

Jeffson - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Custer And His Wolverines: The Michigan Cavalry Brigade, 1861-1865 (Hardcover)

One of the best works on Custer in the CW. Illustrates Custer at his best and at his worst. Longacre exposes the genuine bravery and intelligence, but also the vanity and recklessness. A good vehicle to get inside Custer's head during these few years of his life. A fair amount of human interest detail makes this an enjoyable read; and the detailed order of battle appendix is very useful. Heavily footnoted; long solid bibliography.