THE MARCH OF FOLLY EXPLORES ONE OF THE MOST COMPELLING PARADOXES OF HISTORY: THE PURSUIT BY GOVERNMENTS OF POLICIES CONTRARY TO THEIR OWN INTERESTS. BARABARA TUCHMAN BRILLIANTLY ILLUMINATES FOUR DECISIVE TURNING POINTS IN HISTORY WHEN GOVERNMENTS OR RULERS CARRIED OUT SELF-DESTRUCTIVE ACTS DESPITE THE AVAILABILITY OF FEASIBLE ALTERNATIVES. FROM THE FALL OF TROY THROUGH THE PROTESTANT SECESSION TO GEORGE II'S LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE AMERICAN COLONIES AND AMERICA'S THIRTY YEAR INVOLVEMENT WITH VIETNAM SHE COVERS A CHRONICLE OF EMBARASSMENT, CYNICISM AND A LOSS OF FAITH IN GOVERNMENT ITSELF. IT IS A MAGNIFICENT WORK OF HISTORY-OUTSTANDING IN ITS SCOPE AND VISION WHOSE VIVID RE-CREATION OF THE PAST SERVES TO REVEAL THE CAUSES OF GOVERNMENTAL FOLLY.