The Fog of War

Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara

By (author) James G. Blight, janet M. Lang

Not available to order

Publication date:

31 March 2005

Length of book:

224 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780742580220

Robert S. McNamara is one of modern America's most controversial figures. His opinions, policies, and actions have led to a firestorm of debate, ignited most recently by Errol Morris's Academy Award-winning film, The Fog of War. In the companion book, editors James G. Blight and janet M. Lang use lessons from McNamara's life to examine issues of war and peace in the 20th century. McNamara's career spans some of America's defining events—from the end of World War I, through the course of World War II, and the unfolding of the Cold War in Cuba, Vietnam, and around the world. The Fog of War brings together film transcripts, documents, dialogues, and essays to explore what the horrors and triumphs of the 20th century can teach us about the future.

1 Acknowledgements 2 Authors' Note 3 Prologue: Critical Oral History: Robert McNamara's Road to The Fog of War 4 Lesson One: Empathize with your enemy 5 Lesson Two: Rationality will not save us 6 Lesson Three: Belief and seeing are both often wrong 7 Lesson Four: Proportionality should be a guideline in war 8 Lesson Five: Be prepared to reexamine your reasoning 9 Critical Essays: I'd rather be damned if I don't 10 Epilogue: Wilson's Ghost 11 Appendix A: Chronology of the Life and Times of Robert S. McNamara 12 Appendix B: Further Reading and Exploration 13 Credits 14 Acronyms 15 Notes 16 Index 17 About the Authors

Jim Blight and janet Lang's book is a novel achievement. The documentation, and their enormously helpful commentary, complements the film in an incredibly valuable way. This book should be read by anyone who wants to understand the perilous world we livein....