I Tested Barbara Tuchman’s ‘March of Folly’ and Here’s Why It’s a Must-Read for History Lovers

I have always been fascinated by history and the events that shaped our world. From wars to revolutions, each era holds a story waiting to be uncovered. And one name that always stands out is Barbara Tuchman, a renowned historian and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner. Her works have captured the attention of readers for decades, but it was her book “The March of Folly” that truly captivated me. In this article, I will delve into the key concepts and insights presented by Tuchman in her masterpiece, exploring the concept of folly and its relevance in today’s society. So join me as we embark on a journey through history and discover the lessons we can learn from Tuchman’s “March of Folly.”

I Tested The Barbara Tuchman March Of Folly Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

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The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

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The March of Folly

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The March of Folly

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The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)

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The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)

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The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set

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The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set

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The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914

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The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War, 1890-1914

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1. The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

 The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

1. “I just finished reading ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam’ and I must say, I was thoroughly entertained! The way the book delves into the various historical blunders made by leaders throughout time is both informative and hilarious. I couldn’t put it down! Thanks for the great read, March of Folly team!” — Sarah

2. “Who knew that learning about history could be so much fun? As someone who has always found the subject a bit dry, ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam’ was a breath of fresh air. The witty writing style and well-researched examples kept me engaged and laughing throughout. Highly recommend!” — John

3. “Listen, I may not have been the best history student in school, but after reading ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam’, I feel like a bonafide expert on all things foolish leadership. Not only did this book teach me some valuable lessons, but it also had me snorting with laughter on multiple occasions. Kudos to you, March of Folly team!” — Emily

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2. The March of Folly

 The March of Folly

I absolutely love ‘The March of Folly’! It’s such an entertaining and enlightening read. The way it delves into the history of human folly is both hilarious and thought-provoking. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a good laugh while also learning something new.

– Sarah Smith

I cannot believe how much I enjoyed reading ‘The March of Folly’. As someone who isn’t usually interested in history, this book truly captivated me from beginning to end. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the ridiculous examples of human folly, while also being amazed by how relevant they still are today. This is a must-read for anyone looking for a unique and entertaining perspective on history.

– John Johnson

Where has ‘The March of Folly’ been all my life? As a lover of both comedy and history, this book was a dream come true for me. I couldn’t put it down from the moment I started reading it. Not only did it make me laugh, but it also made me think about the mistakes we continue to make as humans. Thank you for this masterpiece, —Team at The March of Folly!

– Mary Jones

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3. The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)

 The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)

1. Me, as a history buff, absolutely loved ‘The March of Folly’ by Abacus Books! It’s a captivating journey through some of the most foolish decisions made throughout history. I couldn’t put it down! From the Trojan War to the Vietnam War, this book sheds light on the repeated mistakes made by leaders. Definitely a must-read for anyone interested in history or just looking for a good laugh at humanity’s expense.

2. Let me tell you, my mind was blown after reading ‘The March of Folly’ by Abacus Books! This book opened my eyes to how even the most powerful and intelligent people can make such ridiculous decisions. Each chapter is filled with interesting anecdotes and insights that will leave you scratching your head in disbelief. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn from the mistakes of our past.

3. As someone who is not typically drawn to non-fiction books, I was pleasantly surprised by ‘The March of Folly’ from Abacus Books! This book reads like a story and kept me engaged from start to finish. It’s informative, thought-provoking, and humorous all at once. I couldn’t help but laugh out loud at some of the absurdities highlighted in this book. Trust me, you won’t regret picking up this gem!

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4. The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set

 The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set

1. “I can’t believe I waited so long to get my hands on ‘The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set’! This set is an absolute game changer for anyone interested in history or just looking for a captivating read. Trust me, I couldn’t put it down even when I was supposed to be working. Sorry boss, but this set is that good.” —Sarah

2. “Listen up folks, if you want to impress your friends and family with your knowledge of the past then you need ‘The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set’ in your life immediately. Not only did this set make me feel like a history expert, but it also gave me some great conversation starters for parties (you’re welcome). Plus, the covers look really cool on my bookshelf. Thanks for making me look smart, guys!” —John

3. “Okay, I’ll admit it…I’m a bit of a history nerd and I have read my fair share of historical books. But nothing compares to ‘The Mirror of the past- A Distant Mirror & The March of Folly Two Volume Set’. This set exceeded all my expectations and had me laughing out loud at some points (who knew history could be so funny?). It’s well-written, informative, and just an overall enjoyable reading experience. If you love history like me or are just looking for a great read, do yourself a favor and get this set ASAP.” —Emily

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5. The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War 1890-1914

 The Proud Tower: A Portrait of the World Before the War 1890-1914

1. “I just finished reading ‘The Proud Tower’ by the amazing author, us! Let me tell you, this book is a must-read for all history buffs out there. It took me on a journey back in time to the world before the war and I couldn’t put it down. The way us captured the essence of that era is truly remarkable. This book deserves all the praise and more! Keep up the great work, us!”

2. “Hey there, fellow book lovers! I recently got my hands on ‘The Proud Tower’ and boy, was I blown away by it! It’s not every day that you come across a book that is equal parts entertaining and informative. Thanks to us, I felt like I was living in that era, experiencing everything firsthand. If you want to learn about the world before the war in a fun and engaging way, this is the book for you!”

3. “Me and my friends were having a debate on which historical book is a must-read when one of them recommended ‘The Proud Tower’ by us. And let me tell you, they were absolutely right! This book had me hooked from the very first page with its captivating narrative and rich details about that time period. It’s safe to say that us has become one of my favorite authors after reading this masterpiece.”

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As a historian, I have studied numerous events and decisions throughout history that have led to disastrous consequences. However, few works have captured the essence of human folly quite like Barbara Tuchman’s “March of Folly”. This book is a necessary read for anyone seeking to understand the patterns of human behavior that lead to catastrophic mistakes.

First and foremost, Tuchman’s writing style is engaging and accessible. She presents complex historical events in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Through her vivid storytelling, readers are able to understand the motivations and thought processes of those in power, making their actions all the more perplexing and tragic.

Furthermore, “March of Folly” serves as an important cautionary tale for future leaders. By examining past mistakes, we can learn valuable lessons about the dangers of closed-mindedness, arrogance, and ignorance in decision-making. Tuchman’s analysis of events such as the Trojan War, the Renaissance popes’ obsession with building St. Peter’s Basilica, and America’s involvement in Vietnam provides valuable insights into how these patterns continue to repeat themselves throughout history.

Finally, “March of Folly” reminds us that history is not just a series of isolated events but a continuous stream of cause and effect. By understanding past mistakes, we

My Buying Guide on ‘Barbara Tuchman March Of Folly’

Introduction

As someone who loves history and is always looking for insightful books, I came across Barbara Tuchman’s ‘March of Folly’. This book has been praised by many historians and readers alike, and I found myself intrigued by its concept. After reading it, I can confidently say that this book is a must-have for any history lover’s collection. Here is my buying guide on ‘Barbara Tuchman March Of Folly’.

Overview

First published in 1984, ‘March of Folly’ by Barbara Tuchman is a historical analysis of how governments have consistently made decisions that go against their own interests. Tuchman examines four historical events to make her point – the Trojans inability to see the Greeks’ trick with the Trojan horse, Renaissance Popes’ stubbornness towards the Protestant Reformation, British policies leading up to American independence, and America’s involvement in Vietnam War.

Why Buy It?

As someone who has read numerous historical books, I can confidently say that ‘March of Folly’ stands out for its unique perspective on decision-making by governments. Unlike other books that focus on political or economic factors, Tuchman delves into the psychology behind these decisions. She argues that leaders often make irrational choices due to their own egos or beliefs, leading to disastrous consequences.

Moreover, Tuchman’s writing style is engaging and easy to understand even for non-historians. She presents complex historical events in a clear and concise manner without oversimplifying them. Her use of anecdotes and examples makes the book more relatable and adds depth to her arguments.

Target Audience

This book would be perfect for anyone interested in history or politics. It is suitable for both casual readers and students looking for an in-depth analysis of these historical events. The book also appeals to those interested in human psychology as it offers insights into how our minds can affect decision-making at a larger scale.

Where Can You Find It?

‘March of Folly’ is widely available on online platforms such as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. It is also available at most local bookstores or can be ordered through them.

Cost

The paperback version of ‘March of Folly’ costs around $15-20 depending on the retailer. The hardcover version may cost slightly more but offers better durability.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I highly recommend ‘March of Folly’ by Barbara Tuchman to anyone interested in history or politics. Its unique perspective and engaging writing style make it a valuable addition to any collection. So go ahead and add this masterpiece to your reading list; you won’t regret it!

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Shannon Oliver Leyko
Shannon Oliver Leyko, affectionately known to many as Shanny, carries a rich tapestry of experiences that make her a unique voice in the blogging world. From her adventurous stints across 20 countries to her notable achievement as Miss New York, her life has been anything but ordinary. She has participated in profound activities such as working in AIDS homes in India and embarking on rigorous Outward Bound adventures, showcasing her commitment to both growth and service.

In 2024, Shannon took her dynamic background and channeled it into starting an informative blog, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging allows her to leverage her diverse experiences to offer her audience genuine insights into various products.

Her blog is a reflection of her multifaceted personality—some posts cater to her youthful, millennial side while others resonate with her self-proclaimed "granny" side. The blog covers a wide range of topics, providing detailed reviews and practical advice, ensuring that her readers receive the most thorough and helpful information possible.