Description: Examines the irrationalities of governments through analysis of four crises of history--the fall of Troy, the Renaissance popes' provocation of the Protestant Reformation, Britain's loss of the American colonies, and America's involvement in Vietnam.
Review Quotes: "A glittering narrative . . . a moral [book] on the crimes and follies of governments and the misfortunes the governed suffer in consequence."--The New York Times Book Review
"An admirable survey . . . I haven't read a more relevant book in years."--John Kenneth Galbraith, The Boston Sunday Globe
"A superb chronicle . . . a masterly examination."--Chicago Sun-Times