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Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters Book 2: The Many Tiny Mistakes That Changed the World Forever - Premiere Edition
A sequel to the worldwide bestselling phenomenon
Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters!
How is history really made? It’s not always the major events but rather a mosaic of many small incidents that often form critical turning points in history, such
The End of The Roman Empire. The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 came about because someone forgot to close and lock a major gate.
The Sinking of The Bismarck. The captain of Germany’s largest battleship decides to break radio silence after being warned not to do so, contributing to the sinking of the Great Ship and an enormous Allied victory.
Learn about mysteries and resolutions that, for better or worse, have determined the course of human history.
Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters!
How is history really made? It’s not always the major events but rather a mosaic of many small incidents that often form critical turning points in history, such
The End of The Roman Empire. The Fall of Constantinople in 1453 came about because someone forgot to close and lock a major gate.
The Sinking of The Bismarck. The captain of Germany’s largest battleship decides to break radio silence after being warned not to do so, contributing to the sinking of the Great Ship and an enormous Allied victory.
Learn about mysteries and resolutions that, for better or worse, have determined the course of human history.
- GenresCivil War
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2025
164 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 8, 2025
it's definitely a book worth reading.
I'd been looking for a book like this for a long time. It usually tells us the beautiful things about our humanity, but not the things that went wrong and why. To achieve this, the author presents an unparalleled account of each of these historical milestones that have marked the course of our culture, from wars that affected our way of thinking to revolutions that significantly changed the world. The author thoroughly studies the hows and whys of each of these events to bring us information in such detail that it's highly entertaining. I couldn't put the book down from cover to cover from the first day I started; it's definitely a book worth reading.
I'd been looking for a book like this for a long time. It usually tells us the beautiful things about our humanity, but not the things that went wrong and why. To achieve this, the author presents an unparalleled account of each of these historical milestones that have marked the course of our culture, from wars that affected our way of thinking to revolutions that significantly changed the world. The author thoroughly studies the hows and whys of each of these events to bring us information in such detail that it's highly entertaining. I couldn't put the book down from cover to cover from the first day I started; it's definitely a book worth reading.
September 28, 2025
What a Collection of Mistakes and “TINY BLUNDERS” that Changed the Course of History!
I found Tiny Blunders Big Disasters by Jared Knott to be an incredibly engaging and insightful read. The book explores how seemingly minor mistakes have led to significant historical events, and it does so in a way that is simple and fascinating to readers from all walks of life. You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the depth and breadth of the stories Knott presents.
One aviation-related example that particularly caught my attention was the story of "Wrong Way" Corrigan. Douglas Corrigan, inspired by Charles Lindbergh, made a daring flight from New York to Dublin in a patched-together plane, claiming he was headed to California. His audacious flight captured the public imagination during the Great Depression and led to a hero's welcome and even a Hollywood movie. This story highlights how determination and audacity can turn a tiny blunder into a legendary tale.
Knott's book is filled with such intriguing anecdotes that make history come alive. Whether it's the navigational error that led to a polar exploration tragedy or the Ft. Mims Massacre, where Major Daniel Beasley ignored warnings, leading to a devastating attack by Red Stick warriors through an open gate, each story is meticulously researched and compellingly told. The book's structure, with chapters dedicated to different types of blunders, makes it easy to follow and absorb the information.
What makes Tiny Blunders Big Disasters truly remarkable is its universal appeal. The lessons learned from these historical mistakes are relevant to professionals in any field, not just historians. The emphasis on careful preparation, attention to detail, and the impact of small decisions resonates with anyone who has ever faced critical choices in their career. As a pilot, I can relate to the importance of precision and the potential consequences of even the smallest errors.
Overall, this book is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding how tiny blunders can lead to big disasters. It's not only informative but also entertaining, making it a great addition to any library. Whether you're a pilot, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys a good story, Tiny Blunders Big Disasters offers something for everyone.
I highly recommend this book.
I found Tiny Blunders Big Disasters by Jared Knott to be an incredibly engaging and insightful read. The book explores how seemingly minor mistakes have led to significant historical events, and it does so in a way that is simple and fascinating to readers from all walks of life. You don't have to be a history buff to appreciate the depth and breadth of the stories Knott presents.
One aviation-related example that particularly caught my attention was the story of "Wrong Way" Corrigan. Douglas Corrigan, inspired by Charles Lindbergh, made a daring flight from New York to Dublin in a patched-together plane, claiming he was headed to California. His audacious flight captured the public imagination during the Great Depression and led to a hero's welcome and even a Hollywood movie. This story highlights how determination and audacity can turn a tiny blunder into a legendary tale.
Knott's book is filled with such intriguing anecdotes that make history come alive. Whether it's the navigational error that led to a polar exploration tragedy or the Ft. Mims Massacre, where Major Daniel Beasley ignored warnings, leading to a devastating attack by Red Stick warriors through an open gate, each story is meticulously researched and compellingly told. The book's structure, with chapters dedicated to different types of blunders, makes it easy to follow and absorb the information.
What makes Tiny Blunders Big Disasters truly remarkable is its universal appeal. The lessons learned from these historical mistakes are relevant to professionals in any field, not just historians. The emphasis on careful preparation, attention to detail, and the impact of small decisions resonates with anyone who has ever faced critical choices in their career. As a pilot, I can relate to the importance of precision and the potential consequences of even the smallest errors.
Overall, this book is a valuable read for anyone interested in understanding how tiny blunders can lead to big disasters. It's not only informative but also entertaining, making it a great addition to any library. Whether you're a pilot, a history enthusiast, or someone who simply enjoys a good story, Tiny Blunders Big Disasters offers something for everyone.
I highly recommend this book.
September 25, 2025
’Ambition without vigilance is a castle without walls’ – Secrets of historical events
Georgia author Jared E. Knott was a decorated combat infantry officer in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, serves as vice president of sales and marketing and marketing director in the home improvement industry, and has published articles in graduate school textbooks and in the Mensa Bulletin (American Mansa is a round-table society for highly intelligent people, people with a high IQ) on subjects from Supreme Court Reform to Arctic Exploration. He also happens to be an inquisitive historian!
The initial volume of Knott’s series has become just about the most favorite book about history yet published, and now Book 2 maintains that stature. Knott reveals his indepth knowledge and investigative techniques of closely examining events and people of world history that invite scrutiny, and in doing so he distills the ‘tiny blunders and big disasters’ around the globe and throughout history that perk up our minds. As he states in the introductory note, ‘The story of mankind is not one of ease or certainty. From the first flickers of consciousness, the road forward has been steep, jagged, and perilous. There was a time – lost now in the dim corridors of prehistory – when all human destiny teetered on the edge of utter extinction. It was not by sword nor plague that we faced annihilation, but by the angry outburst of the Earth itself...’
Knott presents his historical facts in sections that invite curious minds to explore: Salient Examples (the Atomic Bomb Secret and the exposed flaws in important figures’ judgments), Military Mistakes (as in the fall of the Roman Empire), Political Blunders (Hollywood corruption, Caligula’s errors), Doctor’s Mistakes (from the discovery of Penicillin to Covid-19), Navigational Mistakes (a Lewis and Clark blunder to pilot errors), and Polar Exploration (both North and South Pole flaws). Each well researched section includes both illustrations and many photographs that greatly enhance these blunders/disasters. Fascinating, informative and enormously entertaining, this is a must read examination of history we may not know! Very highly recommended.
Georgia author Jared E. Knott was a decorated combat infantry officer in the First Cavalry Division in Vietnam, serves as vice president of sales and marketing and marketing director in the home improvement industry, and has published articles in graduate school textbooks and in the Mensa Bulletin (American Mansa is a round-table society for highly intelligent people, people with a high IQ) on subjects from Supreme Court Reform to Arctic Exploration. He also happens to be an inquisitive historian!
The initial volume of Knott’s series has become just about the most favorite book about history yet published, and now Book 2 maintains that stature. Knott reveals his indepth knowledge and investigative techniques of closely examining events and people of world history that invite scrutiny, and in doing so he distills the ‘tiny blunders and big disasters’ around the globe and throughout history that perk up our minds. As he states in the introductory note, ‘The story of mankind is not one of ease or certainty. From the first flickers of consciousness, the road forward has been steep, jagged, and perilous. There was a time – lost now in the dim corridors of prehistory – when all human destiny teetered on the edge of utter extinction. It was not by sword nor plague that we faced annihilation, but by the angry outburst of the Earth itself...’
Knott presents his historical facts in sections that invite curious minds to explore: Salient Examples (the Atomic Bomb Secret and the exposed flaws in important figures’ judgments), Military Mistakes (as in the fall of the Roman Empire), Political Blunders (Hollywood corruption, Caligula’s errors), Doctor’s Mistakes (from the discovery of Penicillin to Covid-19), Navigational Mistakes (a Lewis and Clark blunder to pilot errors), and Polar Exploration (both North and South Pole flaws). Each well researched section includes both illustrations and many photographs that greatly enhance these blunders/disasters. Fascinating, informative and enormously entertaining, this is a must read examination of history we may not know! Very highly recommended.
September 25, 2025
The famous quote that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it should perhaps be modified. After reading this fascinating book, “Tiny Blunders, Big Disasters Book 2” by Jared Knott, it should say those who fail to learn from the tiny blunders of history will be doomed to repeat them. Following on the impressive success of his first “Tiny Blunders Big Disasters” book, Knott delves right back into the lessons that history offers us and how the most seemingly insignificant decision can lead to huge changes in human history.
He covers everything from how unlocked gates and sleeping sentries have led to losses in battles that ended up altering the course of wars to small lapses in security that resulted in assassinations and near assassinations of U.S. presidents and presidential candidates. It tells of the human error that may have led to John F. Kennedy Jr.’s tragic plane crash. There are fascinating accounts of military miscalculations, political blunders and medical mistakes and miracles. The compelling story of the accidental discovery of penicillin is a page-turner and then he even takes the reader on a journey through COVID-19 and the deadly potential for mistakes from a lab.
And there are tales of great adventure in this book as well, with the recounting of the competitive race for the North Pole between two explorers and the miscues along the way that may have resulted in one of them gaining the glory and the other, the true champion, having to settle for second place.
In addition to the regular parts, there are intriguing sidebars tucked in, such as a history of the Roman emperors, and a look at the tiny slipups from loose gossip. Knott’s breezy, captivating writing style is accessible and turns the dry history lessons you had to learn in school from a listing of dates and battles and treaties into a narrative that anyone would enjoy.
For history nerds and those who are more casual fans of history, this is a book that both can enjoy. And it offers a lot of cautionary tales that might come in handy someday. Highly recommended.
He covers everything from how unlocked gates and sleeping sentries have led to losses in battles that ended up altering the course of wars to small lapses in security that resulted in assassinations and near assassinations of U.S. presidents and presidential candidates. It tells of the human error that may have led to John F. Kennedy Jr.’s tragic plane crash. There are fascinating accounts of military miscalculations, political blunders and medical mistakes and miracles. The compelling story of the accidental discovery of penicillin is a page-turner and then he even takes the reader on a journey through COVID-19 and the deadly potential for mistakes from a lab.
And there are tales of great adventure in this book as well, with the recounting of the competitive race for the North Pole between two explorers and the miscues along the way that may have resulted in one of them gaining the glory and the other, the true champion, having to settle for second place.
In addition to the regular parts, there are intriguing sidebars tucked in, such as a history of the Roman emperors, and a look at the tiny slipups from loose gossip. Knott’s breezy, captivating writing style is accessible and turns the dry history lessons you had to learn in school from a listing of dates and battles and treaties into a narrative that anyone would enjoy.
For history nerds and those who are more casual fans of history, this is a book that both can enjoy. And it offers a lot of cautionary tales that might come in handy someday. Highly recommended.
September 29, 2025
Strongly Urge Vigorous Intellectual Consumption of ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disaster, Book 2’
When we look at how our own lives were impacted by small coincidences or odd events, and then calculate what emanated from those events, then you have some idea about what Jared Knott’s fantastic new history book is about. ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters, Book 2’ brings to mind terms like engaging and informative, but it many places I found the compelling narrative emotionally jarring and mystically poetic. We are living in a world wrought by the events Knott ably chronicles, and I offer him a Big Hat Tip and strongly urge the vigorous intellectual consumption of this fine book!!!
The book brings historical events to life through the lens of small mistakes that had significant consequences. One particularly fascinating example is the medical mishandling that led to the assassination of James Garfield. The detailed account of how medical errors contributed to his death provides a deeper understanding of how minor errors can have major impacts.
Knott's detailed examples, such as the navigational error that led to the personal tragedy of a polar exploration, are captivating and provide a deeper understanding of how minor errors can have significant consequences. The book's structure, with chapters dedicated to different types of blunders, makes it easy to follow and absorb the information. The author's emphasis on the importance of professional leadership and historical perspective is particularly relevant for history students. It highlights the need for careful analysis and preparation in understanding historical events. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any history major's library.
When we look at how our own lives were impacted by small coincidences or odd events, and then calculate what emanated from those events, then you have some idea about what Jared Knott’s fantastic new history book is about. ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters, Book 2’ brings to mind terms like engaging and informative, but it many places I found the compelling narrative emotionally jarring and mystically poetic. We are living in a world wrought by the events Knott ably chronicles, and I offer him a Big Hat Tip and strongly urge the vigorous intellectual consumption of this fine book!!!
The book brings historical events to life through the lens of small mistakes that had significant consequences. One particularly fascinating example is the medical mishandling that led to the assassination of James Garfield. The detailed account of how medical errors contributed to his death provides a deeper understanding of how minor errors can have major impacts.
Knott's detailed examples, such as the navigational error that led to the personal tragedy of a polar exploration, are captivating and provide a deeper understanding of how minor errors can have significant consequences. The book's structure, with chapters dedicated to different types of blunders, makes it easy to follow and absorb the information. The author's emphasis on the importance of professional leadership and historical perspective is particularly relevant for history students. It highlights the need for careful analysis and preparation in understanding historical events. Overall, this book is a valuable addition to any history major's library.
October 2, 2025
Lesson from This Book is Never Underestimate Impact Small Details or Stubborn Humans
Jared Knott’s ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters, Book 2,’ I have not read the first book, is a really interesting book that shows how small mistakes can lead to big problems. Even with just a high school education, I found the book easy to understand and very engaging. One story that really stood out to me was about the Kennedy/Nixon debate, where Nixon's refusal to wear makeup led to a poor television appearance, while Kennedy's tanned and made-up look won public favor. It's amazing how such a small decision could have such a huge impact.
Some of the medical stories were pretty depressing, where Knott showed how entrenched bureaucrats with financial interests—think Covid—either intentionally or unwittingly caused so much damage. Or when it took the British 150 years to implement an easy and obvious fix for scurvy, one they knew about but chose to ignore because the hide bound Admiralty could not see beyond their noses. Really sad, there are more medical stories too.
The stories about things like the fall of the Roman Empire because of an unlocked gate and the medical mistakes that led to James Garfield's death were really eye-opening. Knott explains everything clearly, so you don't need to be a history expert to enjoy the book. I liked how the book is divided into different types of mistakes, like military and political blunders. It makes it easy to follow and learn about different events. This book is a great read for anyone who likes history and wants to learn more about how small errors can have big consequences.
Jared Knott’s ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters, Book 2,’ I have not read the first book, is a really interesting book that shows how small mistakes can lead to big problems. Even with just a high school education, I found the book easy to understand and very engaging. One story that really stood out to me was about the Kennedy/Nixon debate, where Nixon's refusal to wear makeup led to a poor television appearance, while Kennedy's tanned and made-up look won public favor. It's amazing how such a small decision could have such a huge impact.
Some of the medical stories were pretty depressing, where Knott showed how entrenched bureaucrats with financial interests—think Covid—either intentionally or unwittingly caused so much damage. Or when it took the British 150 years to implement an easy and obvious fix for scurvy, one they knew about but chose to ignore because the hide bound Admiralty could not see beyond their noses. Really sad, there are more medical stories too.
The stories about things like the fall of the Roman Empire because of an unlocked gate and the medical mistakes that led to James Garfield's death were really eye-opening. Knott explains everything clearly, so you don't need to be a history expert to enjoy the book. I liked how the book is divided into different types of mistakes, like military and political blunders. It makes it easy to follow and learn about different events. This book is a great read for anyone who likes history and wants to learn more about how small errors can have big consequences.
September 26, 2025
A few years ago I read, and absolutely loved, Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters: Thirty-Nine Mistakes That Changed the World Forever. It was literally 39 little boo-boos that had enormous consequences. If you don’t believe me, grab a copy, and you will be as mesmerized as I was. Why am I telling you this? Well, the author, Jared Knott, is back with Book 2! Does this mean that there are even more tiny blunders that led to big disasters. Yep. That is exactly what it means. Are these as powerful as those in Book 1? Again…yep. How about a couple of examples from Book 2?
1. Did you know that the Roman Empire ended due to an unlocked gate?
2. What about Penicillin being discovered because of a lab mistake?
3. And lets not forget about the biggest defeat for the Americans in Viet Nam happening
because sentinels were asleep?
I could go on for another several pages. But then you wouldn’t need/want to read the book. And, believe me, you will need/want to read this book. It’s just flat-out fascinating that not only did these things happen, but the author discovered them for our reading pleasure!
There is an added bonus to reading Book 2. Not only does the author continue to tell us about little mistakes that led to major consequences; but he also has even added a little poetry in various parts of the book. It makes for some very literary moments. Grab a copy of Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters Book 2 as soon as you can get your hands on it. And if you haven’t read Book 1, DO IT!
1. Did you know that the Roman Empire ended due to an unlocked gate?
2. What about Penicillin being discovered because of a lab mistake?
3. And lets not forget about the biggest defeat for the Americans in Viet Nam happening
because sentinels were asleep?
I could go on for another several pages. But then you wouldn’t need/want to read the book. And, believe me, you will need/want to read this book. It’s just flat-out fascinating that not only did these things happen, but the author discovered them for our reading pleasure!
There is an added bonus to reading Book 2. Not only does the author continue to tell us about little mistakes that led to major consequences; but he also has even added a little poetry in various parts of the book. It makes for some very literary moments. Grab a copy of Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters Book 2 as soon as you can get your hands on it. And if you haven’t read Book 1, DO IT!
October 2, 2025
Discounting Small Things Can Lead to Big Trouble, Jared Knott Educates You on This Topic
I have learned the hard way not to discount the small things in life, and Jared Knott, in his new book, ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters, Book 2,’ emphasizes this key point again and again. But besides seemingly trivial events making big trouble, he also explores jealousy, bureaucratic sclerosis, ingrained beliefs and the pernicious traits of greed and power standing in the way of greater good or positive progress. Knott is a brilliant author, and I will be buying his first ‘Tiny Blunders’ book.
War is a big topic for a simple reason—it can wipe away millions of innocents and alter nations and cultures beyond recognition; one only has to look back to 1914-45 to know that. The material is enthralling and captivating from start to finish. One example that caught my attention is the navigational error that led to the personal tragedy of a polar expedition. This story highlights how the tiniest of errors can produce the most profound and tragic results.
I was especially struck by the medical and aviation stories, a surprising section I did not expect to see. The collapse of Constantinople and the assassination of James Garfield are intriguing, it is possible both could have been avoided. The book is filled with interesting anecdotes that make history come alive and show how even the tiniest errors can have profound impacts.
I have learned the hard way not to discount the small things in life, and Jared Knott, in his new book, ‘Tiny Blunders/Big Disasters, Book 2,’ emphasizes this key point again and again. But besides seemingly trivial events making big trouble, he also explores jealousy, bureaucratic sclerosis, ingrained beliefs and the pernicious traits of greed and power standing in the way of greater good or positive progress. Knott is a brilliant author, and I will be buying his first ‘Tiny Blunders’ book.
War is a big topic for a simple reason—it can wipe away millions of innocents and alter nations and cultures beyond recognition; one only has to look back to 1914-45 to know that. The material is enthralling and captivating from start to finish. One example that caught my attention is the navigational error that led to the personal tragedy of a polar expedition. This story highlights how the tiniest of errors can produce the most profound and tragic results.
I was especially struck by the medical and aviation stories, a surprising section I did not expect to see. The collapse of Constantinople and the assassination of James Garfield are intriguing, it is possible both could have been avoided. The book is filled with interesting anecdotes that make history come alive and show how even the tiniest errors can have profound impacts.
November 26, 2025
Jared Knott returns with another selection of events in history where a tiny detail, either overlooked or forgotten, created an outsized outcome.
However, in this second volume, he expands upon the topic to include examples of personal failings and character flaws in individuals. This opens the door for showing how these flaws contribute to a series of tiny blunders that compound to make a bigger disaster. He especially uses this example to great effect in the chapter on polar explorations.
Unlike the first volume, this second offers more in-depth analyses for the various chosen incidents and Knott doesn’t hold back in beautifully utilizing the English language. The beautiful, poetic, florid use of English is par excellence and weaves a web of insightful conclusions and arguments that draws in the reader.
Knott uses incidences that one would expect in this volume such as events in war and politics, but he also expands on the usual to include medical mistakes, navigational errors and the above-mentioned polar explorations. Thus, the two volumes together try to maintain their own subjects while being tied together in the general theme.
Once again, another great gift for readers who love history and great story-telling. It is highly recommended that the two come as a package to be enjoyed in tandem.
However, in this second volume, he expands upon the topic to include examples of personal failings and character flaws in individuals. This opens the door for showing how these flaws contribute to a series of tiny blunders that compound to make a bigger disaster. He especially uses this example to great effect in the chapter on polar explorations.
Unlike the first volume, this second offers more in-depth analyses for the various chosen incidents and Knott doesn’t hold back in beautifully utilizing the English language. The beautiful, poetic, florid use of English is par excellence and weaves a web of insightful conclusions and arguments that draws in the reader.
Knott uses incidences that one would expect in this volume such as events in war and politics, but he also expands on the usual to include medical mistakes, navigational errors and the above-mentioned polar explorations. Thus, the two volumes together try to maintain their own subjects while being tied together in the general theme.
Once again, another great gift for readers who love history and great story-telling. It is highly recommended that the two come as a package to be enjoyed in tandem.
September 28, 2025
Fantastic History, I Read Lots of History Books & Love These Turning Point Stories
Jared Knott's ‘Tiny Blunders Big Disasters, Book 2,’ is a masterful examination of how seemingly minor mistakes have shaped the course of history. As a historian, I am particularly impressed by Knott's ability to weave together detailed research with engaging storytelling. One example that stands out is the Ft. Mims Massacre, where Major Daniel Beasley ignored warnings, leading to a devastating attack by Red Stick warriors through an open gate. This incident highlights how a single oversight can result in catastrophic consequences.
Knott's work spans various domains, including military, political, medical, and navigational errors, providing a comprehensive review of human history. The book's structure is well-organized, allowing readers to easily follow the narrative and understand the broader historical implications of these tiny blunders. The inclusion of professional military leadership and historical perspective underscores the importance of careful preparation and attention to detail. This book is not just a collection of anecdotes but a profound reflection on the human record and the lessons we can learn from our past mistakes.
Jared Knott's ‘Tiny Blunders Big Disasters, Book 2,’ is a masterful examination of how seemingly minor mistakes have shaped the course of history. As a historian, I am particularly impressed by Knott's ability to weave together detailed research with engaging storytelling. One example that stands out is the Ft. Mims Massacre, where Major Daniel Beasley ignored warnings, leading to a devastating attack by Red Stick warriors through an open gate. This incident highlights how a single oversight can result in catastrophic consequences.
Knott's work spans various domains, including military, political, medical, and navigational errors, providing a comprehensive review of human history. The book's structure is well-organized, allowing readers to easily follow the narrative and understand the broader historical implications of these tiny blunders. The inclusion of professional military leadership and historical perspective underscores the importance of careful preparation and attention to detail. This book is not just a collection of anecdotes but a profound reflection on the human record and the lessons we can learn from our past mistakes.
January 18, 2026
Too much purple prose and bias
Knott spends too much time expounding on his perceived moral of each story and not enough time on the historical facts of each event. The result is that each incident doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Some aren’t even blunders, such as lecturing us about waste, fraud, and abuse discovered by DOGE (while conveniently forgetting about Trump’s pay-to-play crypto schemes and the Bushes’ connections to the Sauds). His political leanings became clear when he blamed DEI for the attempt on Trump’s life.
Even thinner connections are made by blaming Dr. Fauci for the COVID epidemic because NIAD gave funding to the Wuhan lab (among many other facilities) when it was found, in retrospect, to have had poor adherence to safety protocols. Knott further implies, without evidence, that the virus was engineered to be more deadly, when SARS was already known to be a serious disease.
Give the book a miss. There’s too much opinion.
Knott spends too much time expounding on his perceived moral of each story and not enough time on the historical facts of each event. The result is that each incident doesn’t get the attention it deserves.
Some aren’t even blunders, such as lecturing us about waste, fraud, and abuse discovered by DOGE (while conveniently forgetting about Trump’s pay-to-play crypto schemes and the Bushes’ connections to the Sauds). His political leanings became clear when he blamed DEI for the attempt on Trump’s life.
Even thinner connections are made by blaming Dr. Fauci for the COVID epidemic because NIAD gave funding to the Wuhan lab (among many other facilities) when it was found, in retrospect, to have had poor adherence to safety protocols. Knott further implies, without evidence, that the virus was engineered to be more deadly, when SARS was already known to be a serious disease.
Give the book a miss. There’s too much opinion.
October 3, 2025
Tiny Blunders Big Disasters is a fascinating book of anecdotes that illustrates how the smallest mistakes can have the greatest consequences. From fallen empires to polar exploration calamities, this book has included examples of every type of blunder. There are also a few stories in this delightful volume that describe how daring and dangerous ventures can become heroic and celebrated.
Jared Knott has meticulously researched his stories, making this book a valuable addition to any history lover’s library. On the other hand, you don’t have to be a historian to be entertained by this work. The writing style is very engaging — from start to finish it had me intrigued. I really recommend it.
Jared Knott has meticulously researched his stories, making this book a valuable addition to any history lover’s library. On the other hand, you don’t have to be a historian to be entertained by this work. The writing style is very engaging — from start to finish it had me intrigued. I really recommend it.
October 8, 2025
To my liking
The truth is that just by looking at the cover of this book, it caught my attention; I hardly even had to read the summary.
The thing is, this isn't just any history book; it's something much deeper and more interesting. It delves a little deeper into the historical milestones that shaped the course of humanity through very precise accounts that, when viewed from a broad perspective, may not seem so significant, but when we take a closer look and know how to interpret them, we find some extremely interesting conclusions.
My favorite, I must say, was the fall of the Roman Empire, because it reflects an enormous contradiction between what that immense, vast, and powerful empire was and the fragility within its walls and among its people.
The truth is that just by looking at the cover of this book, it caught my attention; I hardly even had to read the summary.
The thing is, this isn't just any history book; it's something much deeper and more interesting. It delves a little deeper into the historical milestones that shaped the course of humanity through very precise accounts that, when viewed from a broad perspective, may not seem so significant, but when we take a closer look and know how to interpret them, we find some extremely interesting conclusions.
My favorite, I must say, was the fall of the Roman Empire, because it reflects an enormous contradiction between what that immense, vast, and powerful empire was and the fragility within its walls and among its people.
October 10, 2025
Great Book
This book is perfect for starting the day and for ending it. It is very entertaining and manages to pull the reader out of the daily routine, offering interesting facts that can even serve as fun conversation starters in social circles or be useful in professional contexts. I find it enjoyable to begin or finish the day this way, since it quickly distracts the mind. Another great aspect is that it is easy to read, and you can open it on any page without needing to follow a specific order, enjoying a few moments of light reading while feeling completely comfortable. Overall, it is a very interesting, engaging, and highly recommended book.
This book is perfect for starting the day and for ending it. It is very entertaining and manages to pull the reader out of the daily routine, offering interesting facts that can even serve as fun conversation starters in social circles or be useful in professional contexts. I find it enjoyable to begin or finish the day this way, since it quickly distracts the mind. Another great aspect is that it is easy to read, and you can open it on any page without needing to follow a specific order, enjoying a few moments of light reading while feeling completely comfortable. Overall, it is a very interesting, engaging, and highly recommended book.
October 11, 2025
What an incredible book, I’ve been following this author since the first book because for me this is a work of art, I’m crazy for history and this book is a masterpiece that made you feel closer to the worlds history by knowing those tiny mistake that change the worlds history. I truly recommend this read is incredible interesting and has so many unexpected stories that is very much worth sharing and so fun. I think this author made a book so different, because it is a book that's so informative but he manage to made it entertaining and enjoyable. Anyone should read it because this is a book for all types of people, I promise you’re gonna have an amazing time.
January 8, 2026
History Teaches, But I Somewhat Mistrust The Schoolmaster
This book, like the first volume Knott wrote, is interesting and certainly stirs thoughts and introspection. But history, like art, is viewed and judged by the beholder - in this case, the author and, of course, the reader.
The blunders, odd quirks and weird coincidences he reports are not at issue but his evaluations are open to interpretation and I can’t figure out what part of the political spectrum informs his perspective.
Given our current political and social climate, I may be more sensitive to motives than is necessary. This is an interesting read.
This book, like the first volume Knott wrote, is interesting and certainly stirs thoughts and introspection. But history, like art, is viewed and judged by the beholder - in this case, the author and, of course, the reader.
The blunders, odd quirks and weird coincidences he reports are not at issue but his evaluations are open to interpretation and I can’t figure out what part of the political spectrum informs his perspective.
Given our current political and social climate, I may be more sensitive to motives than is necessary. This is an interesting read.
December 25, 2025
Didn’t stick to history
The first book was great but this one wade into recent events when facts haven’t fully been investigated and revealed. These portions of the book spoiled the better written parts and it suggested biases that weren’t exposed in book 1. The author and publisher should be ashamed of this sloppy analysis posing as objective history.
The first book was great but this one wade into recent events when facts haven’t fully been investigated and revealed. These portions of the book spoiled the better written parts and it suggested biases that weren’t exposed in book 1. The author and publisher should be ashamed of this sloppy analysis posing as objective history.
January 11, 2026
WOW
Best book I have read from Kindle Unlimited in years! This book was researched, arranged, written and edited superbly. What a breath of fresh air for Kindle Unlimited.
This was the best book I have read from Kindle Unlimited in years. Well thought out, researched, arranged and edited.
Please keep this up Kindle Unlimited
Best book I have read from Kindle Unlimited in years! This book was researched, arranged, written and edited superbly. What a breath of fresh air for Kindle Unlimited.
This was the best book I have read from Kindle Unlimited in years. Well thought out, researched, arranged and edited.
Please keep this up Kindle Unlimited
December 14, 2025
These books are so interesting! The little tidbits that are talked about make you think of how things could ha e been different. But I love the explain of way before to the blunder then the aftermath. Very informative. And each chapter is so different. Great series.
December 21, 2025
Outstanding!
The lessons given here are the best arguments for careful planning and cautious execution. The quotes are the summation of wise words spoken by people who had the wisdom to study, analyse, and act with fortitude.
The lessons given here are the best arguments for careful planning and cautious execution. The quotes are the summation of wise words spoken by people who had the wisdom to study, analyse, and act with fortitude.
December 13, 2025
A good and interesting book.
I really appreciate how the author didn't just feed stale facts to the reader. The sidebars and quotes helped the information move along.
I really appreciate how the author didn't just feed stale facts to the reader. The sidebars and quotes helped the information move along.
December 28, 2025
tiny blunders / big disasters.
Excellent book filled with bits of knowledge that are extremely valuable for us all. I recommend that everyone read it.
Excellent book filled with bits of knowledge that are extremely valuable for us all. I recommend that everyone read it.
October 2, 2025
Compelling blend of historical insight and storytelling.
The stories are not only informative but also serve as cautionary tales about the importance of attention to detail and the unintended consequences of small oversights.
Great read for the train - easy to pick up right where you left off and not miss a beat.
The stories are not only informative but also serve as cautionary tales about the importance of attention to detail and the unintended consequences of small oversights.
Great read for the train - easy to pick up right where you left off and not miss a beat.
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