Pulitzer Prizewinning historian Barbara W. Tuchman, author of the World War I masterpiece grapples with her boldest subject: the pervasive presence, through the ages, of failure, mismanagement, and delusion in government.

Drawing on a comprehensive array of examples, from Montezumas senseless surrender of his empire in 1520 to Japans attack on Pearl Harbor, Barbara W. Tuchman defines folly as the pursuit by government of policies contrary to their own interests, despite the availability of feasible alternatives. In brilliant detail, Tuchman illuminates four decisive turning points in history that illustrate the very heights of folly: the Trojan War, the breakup of the Holy See provoked by the Renaissance popes, the loss of the American colonies by Britains George III, and the United States own persistent mistakes in Vietnam. Throughout Tuchmans incomparable talent for animating the people, places, and events of history is on spectacular display.

Praise for

A glittering narrative . . . a moral [book] on the crimes and follies of governments and the misfortunes the governed suffer in consequence.

An admirable survey . . . I havent read a more relevant book in years.John Kenneth Galbraith,

A superb chronicle . . . a masterly examination.