About this item
Highlights
- When winners write history, they sometimes "forget" to include their own embarrassing misjudgments.
- Author(s): Ed Strosser & Michael Prince
- 336 Pages
- History, Military
Description
About the Book
Strosser and Prince take a humorous and insightful look at mankind's most idiotic strategies, foolish alliances, and other ill-considered military blunders. 16 b&w photos.Book Synopsis
When winners write history, they sometimes "forget" to include their own embarrassing misjudgments. Fortunately, this take-no-prisoners edition of history isn't going to let the winners (or the losers) forget the mistakes of the past. Be prepared to laugh out loud--and gasp in horror--at the most painfully idiotic strategies, alliances, and decisions the world has ever known. These stupid wars have been launched by democracies as well as monarchies and dictatorships, in recent decades just as often as in less "enlightened" times. The ridiculous and reckless conflicts chronicled in Stupid Wars include the misdirected Fourth Crusade, the half-baked invasion of Russia by the U.S., the U.K.'s baffling Falklands War, Hitler's ill-fated Beer Hall Putsch, several incredibly foolish South American conflicts, the Bay of Pigs fiasco, and many more. Whether you're a future dictator, war-mongering politician, royal mistress, or history lover, these blow-by-stupid-blow accounts will teach you the valuable lessons you need to stay off the list, including:
- Don't declare war on all your neighbors at the same time.
- Working radios, accurate maps, and weather-appropriate uniforms are big plusses.
- Large amounts of bird poop and very small islands are probably not worth dying for.
- Never invade Russia.
- Seriously. It's a really bad idea.
Review Quotes
Witty commentary and ironic asides make for entertaining reading...a great gift for Father's Day. -- Armchair General
If you think you know your history, think again.... A remarkable job recalling several of the dumbest ideas that ended up wasting lives, time and treasure. War is sometimes necessary, but it's never pretty. Now, thanks to Mike and Ed, we have the proof that war is exceedingly stupid. -- Jordan Rich, WBZ Boston
Excellent, entertaining descriptions of historical figures and events...An irreverent tone and lively writing make this book readable and appealing. -- School Library Journal