Somewhat similar to this collection by the same author - she writes a number of essays each interesting in its own right, the puts them in a book and seeks to bind them together by a theme that feels a little forced. But each is valuable, and the whole is much worth reading.
Four essays here -
First she reviews the "folly" of the Trojans in accepting the Greek gift. I was reading this concurrently with the Odyssey, and hadn't recalled that the Trojan horse story is recounted in the Odyssey (not the Iliad). Also hadn't recalled the role of Laocoon, and the serpent-y events that inspired the famous statues. Cassandra's gift/curse.
Next - she discusses the Renaissance popes and the events just prior to the Reformation. I've oft read about the sale of indulgences but she provides an interesting discussion here; the idea of expanding the market by ruling that indulgences can benefit poor souls in purgatory - profitable! Also interesting to think about this book about the early Church, and just how far the Church of Rome strayed from its roots by this era. Consequences of Constantine.
Third is a section reviewing the "folly" of the British government in dealing with the colonists - the view that independence was not inevitable. Lots of detail from the British perspective, most of it new. I do like that she points out that Britain wasn't "ruined" by loss of the colonies - instead Britain advanced to its apogee - mistaken belief that colonies enrich the mother country - individual entrepreneurs can and do make out quite fabulously (especially if armed with government-sanctioned monopoly) but mother country as a whole doesn't seem to profit.
Fourth is a discussion of the folly in Vietnam - so resonant with today's Middle East/Afghanistan errors. More of a focus on World War II and the French days - that part was new to me. The other aspects have been covered pretty well via the Ken Burns documentary, I also liked this book quite a bit.
