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SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups

the hilarious new book from The Office and Hangover comedian
Brief Description
From actor, comedian, writer, and host of the hit history podcast SNAFU, Ed Helms brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history's greatest screwups, complete with lively illustrations. History contains a plethora of insane screwups—otherwise known as SNAFUs. Coined during World War I, SNAFU is an... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2999
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Releases 8th September 2026 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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Brought to you by comedian Ed Helms, this is the definitive guide to history's biggest near misses, ultimate fails and just-about-averted disasters.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From actor, comedian, writer, and host of the hit history podcast SNAFU, Ed Helms brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history's greatest screwups, complete with lively illustrations.

History contains a plethora of insane screwups—otherwise known as SNAFUs. Coined during World War I, SNAFU is an acronym that stands for Situation Normal: All F*cked Up. In other words, "things are pretty screwed up, but aren't they always?"

Spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, Ed Helms steps in as unofficial history teacher for a deep dive into each decade's craziest SNAFUs. From planting nukes on the moon to training felines as CIA spies to weaponizing the weather, this book will unpack the incredibly ironic decision-making and hilariously terrifying aftermath of America's biggest mishaps.

Filled with sharp humour and lively illustrations, SNAFU is a wild ride through time that not only entertains but offers fresh insights that just might prevent history from repeating itself again and again.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781035431007

Publisher: Headline Publishing Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 May 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Wildfire

Illustration: black and white line illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 24.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 213g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Ed Helms is an American actor, writer, producer, and comedian. He first gained national attention as a correspondent on Comedy Central's The Daily Show with Jon Stewart from 2002 to 2006. Helms is perhaps best known for his roles as Andy Bernard, the quirky paper salesman on NBC's hit sitcom The Office (2006-2013), and as Stu Price in The Hangover film trilogy. He also co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed Peacock comedy series Rutherford Falls alongside Mike Schur and Sierra Teller Ornelas. Helms has been recognized with six Screen Actors Guild Award nominations for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series, winning in 2008. Additionally, he received a Writers Guild of America Award for Best Writing for a Comedy or Variety Special for The Fake News with Ted Nelms. Helms also hosts SNAFU, an award-winning podcast about history's greatest screw-ups, which is currently in its second season.

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  • SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups
    From actor, comedian, writer, and host of the hit history podcast SNAFU, Ed Helms brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history's greatest screwups, complete with lively illustrations. History contains a plethora of insane screwups—otherwise known as SNAFUs. Coined during World War I, SNAFU is an acronym that stands for Situation Normal: All F*cked Up. In other words, "things are...
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