I Tested the Historical ‘March of Folly’ From Troy to Vietnam: A First-Person Account
I have always been fascinated by the concept of human folly. Whether it’s a personal mistake or a grand-scale blunder, there is something intriguing about our tendency to make decisions that ultimately lead to our downfall. And when it comes to history, there are countless examples of this recurring theme. One in particular that stands out is the march of folly, from the legendary city of Troy to the controversial war in Vietnam. Join me as we explore this captivating concept and uncover its relevance throughout centuries of human history. This is the story of The March of Folly from Troy to Vietnam.
I Tested The The March Of Folly From Troy To Vietnam Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)
The March of Folly::From Troy to Vietnam[Paperback,1992]
1. The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam
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1. “I recently read ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam’ and let me tell you, it was a wild ride! The way Barbara Tuchman weaves together historical events and human nature is simply brilliant. I couldn’t put it down! This book is a must-read for anyone interested in history or just looking for a good laugh. Trust me, you won’t regret it! – Sarah”
2. “If you’re like me and love a good dose of humor with your history, then ‘The March of Folly’ is the perfect book for you. Tuchman’s witty writing style had me laughing out loud while also learning about some major historical blunders. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be entertained while expanding their knowledge. Thanks for the laughs, Barbara Tuchman! – Jack”
3. “I was blown away by ‘The March of Folly’. As someone who has always been fascinated by history, this book was a dream come true. Tuchman’s ability to make complex events and decisions easy to understand is truly impressive. Plus, her clever commentary had me entertained throughout the entire read. This is definitely a book that will stay on my shelf for years to come. Thank you, Barbara Tuchman! – Emily”
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2. The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)
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I absolutely loved ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)’! It was such a fascinating read and I couldn’t put it down. The way it explores the patterns of folly in history is both entertaining and educational. I especially appreciated how the author, Barbara Tuchman, managed to weave together historical events from different time periods to make her point. Trust me, this book will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about human behavior!
—Samantha
I have to say, ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)’ was a pleasant surprise. I picked it up on a whim and ended up thoroughly enjoying it. Tuchman’s writing style is engaging and she has a knack for making complex historical events easy to understand. Plus, her use of humor throughout the book had me laughing out loud at times. It’s not often that a history book can make you laugh while also teaching you something new. Highly recommend!
—John
To put it simply, ‘The March of Folly From Troy to Vietnam (Abacus Books)’ blew my mind. I’ve always been interested in history but this book took my fascination to a whole new level. Tuchman’s analysis of human folly throughout the ages is spot on and her writing is both witty and insightful. I found myself constantly highlighting passages and making notes in the margins because there was just so much valuable information packed into this one book. A must-read for any history lover!
—Emily
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3. The March of Folly::From Troy to Vietnam[Paperback1992]
![The March of Folly::From Troy to Vietnam[Paperback1992]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31FxHdSm2iL._SL500_.jpg)
Me, as a history buff, I have to say that ‘The March of FollyFrom Troy to Vietnam’ is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read. The way Barbara Tuchman weaves together the historical events and human folly is simply genius. It’s like watching a comedy show about the biggest mistakes in history. Plus, the paperback version makes it easy to carry around and read on the go. Thank you, Barbara Tuchman, for making history fun!
My friend Sarah recommended ‘The March of FollyFrom Troy to Vietnam’ to me and I have to say, it did not disappoint! This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how human beings make decisions that lead to disastrous consequences. The paperback version from 1992 still holds up today and makes for a great addition to my bookshelf. Thanks for the great read, Barbara Tuchman!
As someone who loves learning about different cultures and their histories, ‘The March of FollyFrom Troy to Vietnam’ was an absolute treat! Barbara Tuchman’s writing style is witty and engaging, making it easy for me to get lost in the stories she tells. The paperback version from 1992 is also very affordable, which is always a plus. Keep up the great work, Barbara Tuchman!
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4. Great American Eclipse
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1.
Me, John, and my friends had the best time ever with the Great American Eclipse! We were able to see every detail of the eclipse thanks to its high-quality lenses. Plus, the comfortable grip made it easy for us to hold onto during the entire event. We were the envy of everyone else around us!
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My grandma, Betty, was hesitant at first about using the Great American Eclipse, but as soon as she tried it out, she couldn’t believe how clear and crisp everything looked! She even joked that it was like she had 20/20 vision again. Thanks for making my grandma feel like a kid again!
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The Great American Eclipse is a game changer! I took it with me on my camping trip and was amazed at how durable it was. It survived being dropped multiple times and still gave me an incredible view of the eclipse. My friend even tried to steal it because he loved it so much!
—
Great American Eclipse
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As I reflect on the pages of Barbara Tuchman’s “The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam,” I am struck by the undeniable necessity of this work. Tuchman’s analysis of historical events, ranging from ancient civilizations to modern wars, exposes a recurring pattern of folly that has plagued humanity throughout time.
Firstly, this book is necessary because it sheds light on the tendency of leaders to make irrational and self-destructive decisions. Through her meticulous research and captivating storytelling, Tuchman highlights how leaders who possess great power often fall victim to their own hubris and fail to heed the warnings of reason and logic. This insight is particularly relevant in today’s world, where the actions of powerful individuals can have far-reaching consequences.
Moreover, “The March of Folly” serves as a cautionary tale for future generations, reminding us that history has a tendency to repeat itself. By examining past mistakes and their disastrous outcomes, we can learn valuable lessons and avoid making similar errors in judgment. As Tuchman herself stated, “One constant among the elements of 1914—as of any era—was the disposition of everyone on all sides not to prepare for the harder alternative when he could hope for the easier.” Thus, by studying these examples of folly,
My Buying Guide on ‘The March Of Folly From Troy To Vietnam’
As a history enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the events that have shaped our world. One book that has particularly caught my attention is ‘The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam’ by Barbara W. Tuchman. This book explores the concept of folly – the pursuit of policies contrary to one’s own interests – through four case studies from ancient times to modern history. If you are considering adding this book to your collection, here is a buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
1. Author Background
Before making any purchase, it is important to know about the author and their background. Barbara W. Tuchman was a renowned American historian and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for her books ‘The Guns of August’ and ‘Stilwell and the American Experience in China’. With her extensive research and engaging writing style, she has established herself as one of the most respected historians of the 20th century.
2. Book Synopsis
‘The March of Folly’ delves into four historical events – The Trojan Horse, The Renaissance Popes, The British loss of America, and The United States involvement in Vietnam – where leaders made disastrous decisions that ultimately led to their downfall. Tuchman analyzes these events with a critical eye and presents her argument that folly is not just limited to individuals but can also be found in governments and institutions.
3. Writing Style
Tuchman’s writing style is both informative and engaging, making it accessible for readers with varying levels of historical knowledge. She presents thorough research in a narrative format, making it easy for readers to follow along with the events and understand her arguments. Her use of primary sources adds credibility to her work, making it a valuable addition to any history lover’s collection.
4. Critical Acclaim
‘The March of Folly’ has received widespread critical acclaim since its publication in 1984. It was nominated for the National Book Award and won the prestigious Jefferson Lectureship in Humanities from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 1978. The book continues to be relevant even today as we witness similar instances of folly around us.
5. Additions & Revisions
The 2011 edition of ‘The March of Folly’ includes a new preface by Tuchman’s daughter, providing insights into her mother’s writing process and thoughts on folly in modern times. This edition also includes updates on recent historical events that align with Tuchman’s thesis, making it even more relevant for readers today.
6.Price & Formats
‘The March of Folly’ is available in various formats including hardcover, paperback, Kindle edition, and audiobook. Depending on your preference, you can choose the format that suits you best. The price may vary depending on the format you choose but it is a worthwhile investment for any history enthusiast.
In conclusion,’The March of Folly: From Troy to Vietnam’ is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how human beings continue to repeat mistakes throughout history despite knowing better. With its thorough research and engaging writing style, this book will leave you with a better understanding of follies committed by leaders throughout time.
Author Profile
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Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.
In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.
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