"History tends to celebrate the successes, the geniuses, and the breakthroughs that have made our world what it is today. But what about the mistakes? This book examines the blunders and the goof-ups--both miniscule and colossal in scale--many of which have been lost to history. Read the story of the priest who married a bride to her groom's best man, and the man who thought he actually purchased the White House. Learn about mistakes that changed the course of history, such as the sinking of the 'Titanic,' the 'Exxon Valdez' disaster, and the weapons of mass destruction that started a war but didn't exist, among many other mistakes both laughable and tragic."--Back cover.

Includes index.

People and places -- Sea and air -- Victims and villains -- Victors and vanquished.