Barbara W. Tuchman's 'The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam' delves into the epic errors and blunders in history made by governments and leaders. The book examines historical instances where policies contrary to self-interest were pursued, despite feasible alternatives being available. Through analyzing events such as the Trojan War, the Renaissance Popes' actions leading to the Reformation, the British loss of the American colonies, and the United States' involvement in the Vietnam War, Tuchman presents a thought-provoking exploration of governmental folly throughout the ages. The writing style is described as clear and engaging, making complex ideas accessible and compelling for readers.

Writing/Prose:

The writing features a dense prose style that may require careful attention, providing detailed historical narratives that can sometimes be hard to follow.

Plot/Storyline:

The book revolves around historical events illustrating governmental folly, analyzing notable cases such as the Trojan War, the Renaissance Popes, the American Revolution, and the Vietnam War.

Setting:

The book traverses various historical periods, from ancient times in Troy to the contemporary context of the Vietnam War, examining the political settings of these events.

Pacing:

The pacing is variable, structured around extensive case studies that can either drive the narrative forward or slow it down depending on the content.

A phenomenon noticeable throughout history regardless of place or period is the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests. Mankind, it seems, makes a poorer performance of gov...

Genres:

nonfiction

history

Topics:

Notes:

The book explores folly in government by detailing historical events where leaders act against their own interests.

Tuchman identifies four main case studies: the Trojan War, the Renaissance Popes, the American Revolutionary War, and the Vietnam War.

Folly is defined as pursuing policies that seem counterproductive at the time, despite viable alternatives being available.

The Renaissance Popes were noted for their decadence and contributed to the Protestant Reformation.

The British government ignored the sentiments of American colonies leading to the loss of those colonies.

Tuchman argues that the American involvement in Vietnam mirrored past military follies.

A key point is that folly stems from power and the inability of leaders to correct mistakes due to pride.

The Constitution of the United States is mentioned as a potential safeguard against political folly, but its effectiveness is questioned in the current political climate.

Tuchman suggests that misunderstanding and blindness to facts lead leaders to repeat historical mistakes.

The narrative style of the book combines historical detail with modern commentary, making it both informative and engaging.

From The Publisher:

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Barbara W. Tuchman, author of the World War I masterpiece The Guns of August, 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 Montezuma's senseless surrender of his empire in 1520 to Japan's 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 Britain's George III, and the United States' own persistent mistakes in Vietnam. Throughout The March of Folly, Tuchman's incomparable talent for animating the people, places, and events of history is on spectacular display.

Praise for The March of Folly

"A glittering narrative . . . a moral [book] on the crimes and follies of governments and the misfortunes the governed suffer in consequence."-The New York Times Book Review

"An admirable survey . . . I haven't read a more relevant book in years."-John Kenneth Galbraith, The Boston Sunday Globe

"A superb chronicle . . . a masterly examination."-Chicago Sun-Times

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About the Author:

Barbara W. Tuchman (1912-1989) achieved prominence as a historian with The Zimmermann Telegram and international fame with The Guns of August-a huge bestseller and winner of the Pulitzer Prize. Her other works include Bible and Sword, The Proud Tower, Stilwell…

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The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

Barbara W. Tuchman