For the best biography of Custer I've seen (I'm something of a Native American history buff) read Son Of The Morning Star by Evan S. Connell (1984, Promontory Press). Kay pretty much has it right with her description of the battle. The planned three-pronged attack of Gibbon/Crook/Custer-Terry broke down terribly; Custer was likely unaware. An egotistical, arrogant, complicated man, and capable soldier.