The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

by Barbara W. Tuchman
The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam cover
Good Books rating 4.0
History
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  • ID: 6713
  • Added: 2025-11-27
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780345308238
  • Publisher: Random House Trade Paperbacks
  • Published: 1985-02-12
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Barbara W. Tuchman, renowned for her work on World War I, delves into the persistent patterns of failure and mismanagement in governance. She defines folly as the pursuit of policies contrary to a government's own interests, despite available alternatives. Through vivid narratives, she examines key historical events such as the Trojan War, the Renaissance popes' actions, Britain's loss of the American colonies, and the U.S. involvement in Vietnam. /n/n Tuchman's engaging style brings history to life, offering a critical look at the consequences of poor decision-making. Praised for its insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, The March of Folly is a must-read for understanding the recurring mistakes of leaders and their impact on society.

Reviews
The New Criterion · 2025-11-27
thought-provoking 3.50

The book provides a detailed analysis of historical folly and its consequences. It is a valuable resource for understanding the impact of foolish leadership.

The reviewer appreciates the detailed analysis of historical folly and its consequences presented in this book. They find the author's exploration of different historical instances of foolish leadership to be valuable. The reviewer notes that the book is not just a historical account but a timely reminder of the dangers of foolish leadership. They also praise the author's ability to make complex historical events accessible and engaging.

Quick quotes

    Barbara Tuchman discusses in detail four totally different and widely separated instances in which, she argues, foolish leadership produced disaster.

    A Tuchman book always teems with colourful characters... observed with a relentless and unforgiving gaze... and what an eye for detail and flair for the telling phrase.

    In brilliant detail, Tuchman illuminates four decisive turning points in history that illustrate the very heights of the Trojan War, the breakup of the Holy See, the American Revolution, and the Vietnam War.

Marco Etheridge Fiction · 2019-01-19
insightful 4.50

The book is highly recommended for its clear thinking and gifted writing. It provides a fascinating look at historical folly and its consequences.

The reviewer highly recommends this book, praising the author's clear thinking and gifted writing. They find the book's exploration of historical folly and its consequences particularly fascinating. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to make complex historical events accessible and engaging. They also note that the book is not just a historical account but a timely reminder of the dangers of foolish leadership.

Quick quotes

    I highly recommend “The March of Folly,” as I do the rest of Tuchman's work.

    She is clear thinker, and a gifted writer.

    Whether or not one agrees with her conclusions, the book is a must-read for anyone interested in history or politics.

The Nature of Things Blog · 2018-11-08
impactful 4.00

The book is a powerful exploration of historical folly that resonates deeply with the reader. It is a must-read for understanding the consequences of foolish leadership.

The reviewer found this book to be a powerful exploration of historical folly that resonates deeply. They appreciate the author's ability to connect past events with present-day relevance. The reviewer notes that the book is not just a historical account but a timely reminder of the dangers of foolish leadership. They also praise the author's writing style, which makes complex historical events accessible and engaging.

Quick quotes

    It hit me right in the solar plexus.

    A fascinating look at foolishness, wrongheadedness and sheer stupidity of leaders in history.

    The obliviousness of the rulers of Troy, the popes of the Avignon papacy, the British leaders during the American Revolution, and the American leaders during the Vietnam War.

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