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In his marvelous history, “Americans and the California Dream,” Kevin Starr wrote that de Monfras made a secret addendum to his report to his government, with this quixotic plan for a Gallic takeover:

To hardboiled political pros, the heartfelt goal of putting a stop to the arming of the Israeli military is apt to seem quixotic and dreamy.

Growing revenue was the name of the game, and it took The Times down some strange roads, including a quixotic quest to make the paper smell better.

It’s an ignominious tale of woe and quixotic temperament.

At 65, Farrell is the elder statesman of the bunch, yet energetic and full of oddball quixotic charm.