SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History's Greatest Screwups: the hilarious new book from The Office and Hangover comedian - Softcover

Helms, Ed

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1035431009 ISBN 13: 9781035431007

Publisher: Wildfire, 2026

Synopsis

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 1950's to the 2000's, 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 humor 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.

About this title

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.

From the Back Cover

AN ABSURDLY ENTERTAINING LOOK AT HISTORY'S GREATEST F*CK-UPS


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?'

History contains an embarrassment of insane SNAFUs. In this loving tribute to humanity's finest faceplants, actor, comedian and podcast host Ed Helms (The Hangover, The Office, The Daily Show) takes us from the 1950s to the present day, diving into each decade's craziest f*ck-ups. From a government-funded CIA programme that drugged thousands of unwitting participants with LSD to the $125 million Mars orbiter that went AWOL in space due to a basic maths error, this is a wild ride through the head-scratching blunders that have come to shape our world.


Filled with biting humour and some utterly ridiculous illustrations, SNAFU features tales that will guarantee a guffaw. In highlighting the hilarious decision-making and major f*ck-ups of history, it offers both insight and inspiration as to how we might escape history's endless blooper reel.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wildfire
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1035431009
• ISBN 13: 9781035431007
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 304