Essential reading for anyone interested in drawing lessons from the Vietnam war.

Robert K. Brigham, Vassar College; author of Guerrilla Diplomacy

It is difficult to imagine a book more terribly relevant than The Fog of War. James Blight and janet Lang weave together a compelling narrative, important historical documents from the Cuban missile crisis and the Vietnam war, and gripping exchanges of old adversaries met in dialogue in order to offer readers Robert McNamara's darkly prophetic 'lessons.' In so doing, they brilliantly engage the turbulent, complex, endlessly fascinating life of this remarkable public figure. This book is certainly one of the surest guides through the fog, and we would be wise to pay attention.

Edward T. Linenthal, author of The Unfinished Bombing: Oklahoma City in American Memory

This book should help teachers and students use Errol Morris's 'The Fog of War' as a launching pad for debating Robert McNamara's lessons about war and peace.

Graham Allison, co-author of Essence of Decision: Explaining the Cuban Missile Crisis and director, Belfer Center for Science and International

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 live in.

Paul L. Wachtel, distinguished professor of psychology, City University of New York at City College

This fascinating book is rich with lessons for leaders, citizens and students. It is hard to put down. I hope that more of our leaders will pick it up.

Joseph S. Nye Jr., University Distinguished Service Professor, Harvard University

Robert McNamara is the single most important government official of our times. In the winter of his life, McNamara-through the skillful and talented medium of Blight and Lang-reflects on his mistakes, the lessons he has drawn from them, his empathy for his enemies, and his willingness to reexamine his own reasoning. And he seeks now to persuade us, passionate as ever that each of us, mighty government officials or ordinary citizen, will be better if we remain skeptical of our certainties.

Jorge I. Dominguez, director of the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University