Chesterton's _The Napoleon of Notting Hill_ (Score 1)

Since we're discussing the failures of the people who predict the future, you might wish to read Chesterton's first novel, published in 1904, which is a masterpiece. The section that opens the novel, "Introductory Remarks on the Art of Prophecy," summarizes the sorts of predictions of the future that were common in Chesterton's day and the reaction of the people who were the subjects of those predictions.

Judging from the other responses to Katz's musings, the nature of prediction hasn't changed much since Chesterton's day, and the novel's take on the fate of such prophecies is both enlightening and extremely funny.

For the book-lovers out there, here's another recommendation for Napoleon. John Crowley quotes those Introductory Remarks in his World Fantasy Award winner, Little, Big.

If you want a quick skinny on Chesterton, try G. K. Chesterton