"Farber has produced a succinct and authoritative book on the hostage crisis that is well researched, engagingly written, and persuasive in its conclusions. What's more, it's a real page turner. The book includes numerous fascinating vignettes, including the story behind the story of why Americans displayed yellow ribbons to seek the hostages' safe return. A truly first-rate work."--Fredrik Logevall, University of California, Santa Barbara