SNAFU
Read Excerpt Glasses Icon Icon of eye glasses over an open book

Request Desk/Exam Copy Academic Icon Academic icon

SNAFU

The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups

by Ed Helms

Regular Price $32.00

Regular Price $42.00 CAD

Hardcover
ebook Audiobook Download Unabridged
Hardcover
ebook Audiobook Download Unabridged

Regular Price $32.00

Regular Price $42.00 CAD

Also Available From:

Buy Now:

Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Bookshop

On Sale

Apr 29, 2025

Page Count

288 Pages

Publisher

Grand Central Publishing Logo

ISBN-13

9781538769478

Genre

Nonfiction / Humor / Topic / History

Description

From actor, comedian, writer, and host of the hit history podcast SNAFU, Ed Helms brings you an absurdly entertaining look at history’s biggest blunders, 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, 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.

PRE-ORDER NOW AND SUBMIT YOUR PURCHASE RECEIPT BELOW

SNAFU BOOK TOUR

Meet Ed Helms

  • 1395 Lexington Avenue (between 91st & 92nd streets) New York, NY 10128

    92Y with Samantha Bee

    Ed Helms in Conversation: SNAFU — A Hilarious History of Epic Screwups.

  • Barnes & Noble (Philadelphia, PA) with Adam Grant

    Barnes & Noble – Philadelphia welcomes actor, comedian, and author Ed Helms to discuss SNAFU.

  • 600 I Street, NW Washington, DC 20001

    Sixth & I Event with David Chalian

    Sixth & I welcomes actor, comedian, and author Ed Helms to discuss SNAFU.

  • 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

    The Tara Theatre w. A Cappella Books with Virginia Prescott

    ATLFF and A Cappella Books present an evening with Ed Helms – “SNAFU”

  • Chicago Humanities Festival Event with Greta Johnson

    Ed Helms on SNAFU – The famed comedian talks his new book and history’s greatest screwups.

  • 890 Commonwealth Avenue Boston, MA 02215

    WBUR CitySpace with Amory Sivertson

    SNAFU: Actor and comedian Ed Helms on history’s greatest screwups.

  • Cubberley Community Center Theatre 4120 Middlefield Road (near Montrose & Middlefield) Palo Alto, CA 94306

    The Commonwealth Club with Casey Newton

    The Commonwealth Club welcomes actor, comedian, and author Ed Helms to discuss SNAFU.

  • Glorya Kaufman Performing Arts Center at Vista Del Mar 3200 Motor Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90034

    LA Live Talks with Tig Notaro

    An Evening with Ed Helms , discussing his book, SNAFU: The Definitive Guide to History’s Greatest Screwups.

Meet The Author: Ed Helms

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.

Discover More