The Boy Generals: George Custer, Wesley Merritt, and the Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac

“The Boy Generals is a grand effort and falls into that rare category of a ‘Must Read.’ It will be a standard bearer; a marvelous book that should remain among the very best. In fact, without even seeing the other volumes, this one has achieved that goal already, lofty and heady as it may seem. It will certainly grace my library.” ~Frederic C. Wagner III, author of "The Strategy of Defeat at the Little Big Horn"

“I heartily endorse this forthcoming book by my good friend Al Ovies—the first in a trilogy of a groundbreaking study focusing on the contentious relationship between George A. Custer and Wesley Merritt. I’ve read every word of this grand undertaking, and can confirm without qualification that it is some fine work: well-written, thoroughly researched, and entertaining. This is one you cannot miss.” ~Eric J. Wittenberg, award-winning author of “'The Devil’s to Pay': John Buford at Gettysburg. A History and Walking Tour"

“The Boy Generals offers a compelling dual biography of two remarkable officers who facilitated the rise of the Union cavalry to tactical dominance in the second half of the Civil War. Equally ambitious, brave, and able, Wesley Merritt and George Armstrong Custer embodied different approaches to leadership and combat. Adolfo Ovies’s gift for poetic prose, combined with his commitment to exhaustive research, has resulted in a book that is both riveting and illuminating.” ~Gregory J. W. Urwin, author of "Custer Victorious: The Civil War Battles of General George Armstrong Custer"

“Ovies scholarship is excellent. He uses multiple primary sources, including multiple manuscripts and official government documents. He expertly weaves these sources into a compelling story that shows the changing nature of the men’s relationship.” ~Collected Miscellany

“The Boy Generals makes a valuable contribution to the study of cavalry in the eastern theater.” ~Emerging Civil War