In a fascinating cultural history, two veteran journalists explore twenty dramatic failures, goofs, miscues, and complications that have shaped modern-day America, from technological disasters to sports promotions run amok, and reveals the important life lessons we can learn from such calamities. 25,000 first printing.

Reviews

Although its composition seems occasionally arbitrary, this addition to the weird history subgenre is as informative as it is entertaining. Smith and Kiger (Poplorica) take 20 of American history's biggest "flops, goofs, misjudgments, and fiascoes" (mainly from the 20th century) and attempt to extract a "meaningful lesson" from each, the latter more difficult than simply telling an embarrassing story. For instance, "Beware Solutions That Create New Problems" profiles Thomas Midgeley, the innovator who added poisonous lead to gasoline and invented ozone-killing CFCs, which made him responsible for more atmospheric damage than any other man in history. Most enjoyable are the chapters on jaw-droppingly ridiculous decisions, such as Jimi Hendrix opening for the Monkees in 1967 or the 1974 Cleveland Indians' 10-cent beer night that turned into one of pro sports' ugliest riots. Some subjects seem more like misguided incidents than fiascoes (e.g., inventors' unending quest for a flying car, the Y2K scare), but there are plenty of corkers, like the hubristic flameout that was the football-wrestling hybrid XFL. A "bonus" chapter crams in other goodies for a nice finish, from the well known (e.g., the CIA's Castro assassination plots) to the obscure (e.g., equine sushi ice cream). (Mar.)
Copyright � Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

OceanWaveBooks specializes in hard-to-find books. We have Over 10,000 hard to find books in stock at any one time.

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

OceanwaveBooks
CA, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

100% moneyback guarantee.Your satisfaction is our goal!

Fast shipping! Full warranty!

We accept credit card payments through ABEbooks.
We try to describe accurately and grade fairly.
We agree to ship within 2 business days of your purchase. Buyer Pays for shipping.

Also, please feel free to contact me at this same email address regarding any special shipping and/or delivery requirements you might have as well as for quotes for any type of domestic or international shipping.

Thank you for your or...

More Information

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	7 to 14 business days	5 to 10 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 6.99

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.