The March of Folly

From Troy to Vietnam

By: Barbara W. Tuchman

Narrated by: Wanda McCaddon

In The March of Folly, two-time Pulitzer Prize winning historian Barbara Tuchman tackles the pervasive presence of folly in governments through the ages. Defining folly as the pursuit by governments of policies contrary to their own interests, despite the availability of feasible alternatives, Tuchman details four decisive turning points in history that illustrate the very heights of folly in government: 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' persistent folly in Vietnam.

The March of Folly brings the people, places, and events of history magnificently alive for today's listener.

©1984 Barbara Tuchman (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Among contemporary historians, Barbara Tuchman stands supreme." ( Times of London)
"Admirers of her earlier works will find Barbara Tuchman's familiar virtues on display. She is lucid, painstaking and highly intelligent. She is also highly expert." ( Sunday Times, London)

This book is a true classic of history

Humankind’s failing attempts to build stable and effective governing structures is detailed with skill and touch of humor. Tuchman is a true giant in historical writing, and this book is one of her best. Using examples from classical Greece, the Catholic papacy, and up to the Vietnam War, she proves Lord Acton’s observation, “Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.”

An example of history writing of the highest caliber.

I’ve read the printed book at least twice, and this audio recording is excellent. Highly recommend.

The importance of reason in making decisions.

it provided a blueprint for avoiding disastrous decisions. The cost of arrogance/hubris/obstinacy is too great.

Interesting and perspective broadening

I picked this up as an intro to history.
It did a great job at keeping me interested and engaged all the way through. The March of Folly is a great book to learn about the errors of leaders with great unchecked power.

lot of information packed in

out of the 4 scenarios the book covers American revolution and Vietnam war the most. from a historical detail perspective it's great. this was one of the books I had to re listen to some parts over and over because the way it's written is complex and packs a lot of information .