The total synthesis of paclitaxel (Taxol) is described. Double Rubottom oxidation of the bis(silyl enol ether) derived from a tricarbocyclic diketone effectively installed a bridgehead olefin and C-5/C-13 hydroxy groups in a one-step operation. The novel Ag-promoted oxetane formation smoothly constructed the tetracyclic framework of paclitaxel.