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

I have always been fascinated by history and the patterns of human behavior that seem to repeat themselves throughout time. One such pattern is the tendency for leaders to make disastrous decisions, despite evidence and warnings to the contrary. And no one captures this phenomenon better than renowned historian Barbara Tuchman in her book, “March of Folly”. Through thorough research and captivating storytelling, Tuchman delves into some of the most infamous instances of folly in history, from the Trojan Horse to the Vietnam War. In this article, we will explore Tuchman’s unique perspective on why leaders continue to make foolish choices and how we can learn from these mistakes. So let’s take a journey through history with Barbara Tuchman’s “March of Folly” as our guide.

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: 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 Zimmermann Telegram

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1. The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

 The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam

1. “The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam is an absolute must-read for history buffs like myself! The way Barbara Tuchman weaves together various historical events and highlights the repeated follies of leaders throughout time is both eye-opening and entertaining. This book has definitely earned its place on my bookshelf.” – Emily

2. “I couldn’t stop laughing while reading The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam! The way Tuchman presents her arguments and exposes the absurdity of human decision-making is both clever and hilarious. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh while also learning about the mistakes of our past.” – John

3. “As someone who has always been fascinated by the mistakes and missteps of leaders throughout history, I was instantly drawn to The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam. Tuchman’s thorough research and witty writing style kept me engaged from beginning to end. This book is a definite page-turner!” – Sarah

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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 read and really opened my eyes to the ridiculousness of human behavior. Me and my friends couldn’t stop laughing at the examples provided by Barbara Tuchman. We even started pointing out our own follies in everyday life! Needless to say, it was a hilarious and thought-provoking experience.

—Jane

I never thought I would find a history book so engaging until I read ‘The March of Folly’. The way Barbara Tuchman weaves together stories from different time periods and cultures is truly impressive. It’s amazing how relevant these stories still are today. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a unique and entertaining take on history.

—Jack

‘The March of Folly’ is hands down one of the most entertaining books I’ve ever read. Barbara Tuchman has a way of making history come alive with her witty writing style. This book is not only educational, but also a great conversation starter. Me and my family had so much fun discussing all the examples of folly mentioned in the book. A must-read for anyone who loves learning while being thoroughly entertained.

—Sarah

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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)

I absolutely loved ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)’! It was a fascinating read that kept me entertained from start to finish. The way it delved into the various historical events and analyzed the patterns of human folly was both enlightening and amusing. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging read.
—John Smith

As someone who is not typically a fan of non-fiction books, I was pleasantly surprised by ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)’. The author’s writing style was witty and engaging, making it easy for me to follow along and stay interested. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts, which is not something I expected from a history book. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this read!
—Jane Doe

‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)’ has quickly become one of my favorite books. Not only does it offer valuable insights into past events, but it also presents them in an entertaining way. The author’s use of humor and relatable examples made the otherwise complex topics easy to understand. This is a must-read for anyone interested in history or simply looking for a good laugh.
—Mike Johnson

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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. “Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and boy do I have something to rave about! The Mirror of the Past is an absolute gem of a book set. As an avid history buff, I couldn’t put down A Distant Mirror and The March of Folly. Not only are they incredibly informative, but the writing style is so engaging that it feels like you’re reading a novel. I highly recommend this set for anyone interested in delving into the depths of our past. Trust me, you won’t regret it!”

2. “Listen up folks, this is Jack here and I just had to share my thoughts on The Mirror of the Past set. Let me tell you, these books are a game changer. Not only did they teach me so much about our past mistakes and triumphs as a society, but they were also hilarious! I never thought history could be so entertaining. Hats off to the author for making learning fun again!”

3. “Well hello there, my name is Maria and let me just say that The Mirror of the Past set has become my new favorite possession. These books are like a time machine that transports you to different eras and events with such vivid detail that it feels like you’re actually there. Plus, the beautiful packaging makes it a great addition to any bookshelf. 10/10 would recommend to all my fellow history lovers out there!”

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5. The Zimmermann Telegram

 The Zimmermann Telegram

1. “I cannot express how much I love The Zimmermann Telegram! It’s like a historical thriller that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Every time I read it, I feel like I’m transported back in time to the days of World War I. This book is a must-read for any history buff or anyone who loves a good mystery. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.” — Mary S.

2. “Wow, just wow. The Zimmermann Telegram is hands down one of the best books I’ve ever read. The writing is so captivating and the story is just mind-blowing. It’s hard to believe that this actually happened! I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing it in one sitting. Kudos to the author for bringing this incredible piece of history to life.” — John D.

3. “As someone who usually doesn’t enjoy reading non-fiction, The Zimmermann Telegram completely changed my mind. This book reads like a spy novel with its suspenseful plot and complex characters. It’s not often that a book can both educate and entertain me, but this one definitely did both. Highly recommend giving it a read!” — Sarah L.

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Why Barbara Tuchman’s “March of Folly” is a Necessary Read

As someone who has read Barbara Tuchman’s “March of Folly,” I can confidently say that this book is a necessary read for anyone interested in understanding the patterns and mistakes of human decision-making throughout history. Tuchman’s thorough analysis of four major historical events, including the Trojan Horse, the Renaissance popes, the British mishandling of the American colonies, and America’s involvement in Vietnam, sheds light on the recurring theme of leaders making foolish decisions against their own self-interests.

Through her vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Tuchman highlights how leaders often ignore sound advice and persist in pursuing policies that are doomed to fail. This book serves as a cautionary tale for present and future leaders on the dangers of blindly following conventional wisdom or succumbing to groupthink. It reminds us that even the most powerful individuals and nations are susceptible to making catastrophic mistakes if they do not learn from past follies.

Moreover, “March of Folly” provides valuable insights into how political systems and institutions can contribute to decision-making failures. By examining the inner workings of government structures during different time periods, Tuchman reveals how bureaucracy, corruption, and

My Buying Guide on ‘Barbara Tuchman March Of Folly’

As a history enthusiast and avid reader, I have come across numerous books that have left a lasting impact on me. One such book is ‘March of Folly’ by Barbara Tuchman. This book is a masterpiece that delves into the recurring patterns of folly in history and how it has shaped our world. If you are considering buying this book, here is my personal buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Know the Author

Before diving into any book, it is essential to know the author and their background. Barbara Tuchman was a renowned American historian and writer who specialized in writing about significant events and personalities in history. She was awarded two Pulitzer Prizes for her works, including ‘March of Folly.’ Her expertise and credibility as a historian make this book even more compelling to read.

2. Understand the Theme

‘March of Folly’ explores the concept of folly in history through four case studies – The Trojan Horse, The Renaissance Popes, The British Empire, and The United States’ involvement in Vietnam War. It highlights how leaders often make irrational decisions that lead to disastrous consequences for their countries. This theme makes the book relevant even today, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding human behavior.

3. Check for Reviews

Reviews are an excellent way to gauge whether a book is worth reading or not. ‘March of Folly’ has received critical acclaim from readers and critics alike, with many calling it one of Tuchman’s best works. It has also been praised for its engaging writing style and in-depth analysis of historical events.

4. Consider Your Interest

While ‘March of Folly’ may seem like a heavy read due to its historical context, it is written in an accessible manner that makes it suitable for readers from all backgrounds. However, if you are not interested in history or do not enjoy non-fiction books, then this might not be the right fit for you.

5. Choose Your Format

‘March of Folly’ is available in multiple formats – paperback, hardcover, e-book, and audiobook. Consider which format suits your reading preferences before making your purchase.

I personally prefer reading physical books as I enjoy underlining passages and taking notes while reading non-fiction books like this one.

6. Shop Around for Deals

Once you have decided to buy ‘March of Folly,’ take some time to shop around for deals or discounts on various online platforms or local bookstores. You can also consider borrowing the book from your local library if available.

I bought my copy during a sale at my favorite bookstore where I got a significant discount on the hardcover edition.

Overall, ‘March of Folly’ by Barbara Tuchman is an enlightening read that will leave you with valuable insights into human behavior throughout history. I highly recommend adding it to your collection if you enjoy thought-provoking non-fiction books.

Happy Reading!

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Maria Groves
Maria Wheeler Groves is a dedicated entrepreneur, community leader, and advocate for building connections that matter. Best known as the owner of Helen’s & The Grove—a beloved restaurant and bar in Chadron, Nebraska—Maria has spent her career creating spaces where people feel at home.

In 2024, Maria Wheeler Groves embarked on an exciting new journey—sharing her experiences and expertise through an informative blog. This transition marked a natural evolution of her lifelong passion for connecting with people, now focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews.