Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds

Name: Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds
Author: Charles Mackay

By Charles Mackay

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About This Book

A miscellany of historical sketches examines episodes of mass delusion and collective behaviour, ranging from speculative financial manias to superstitious and pseudoscientific fads. It surveys economic bubbles such as the Mississippi and South-Sea schemes and tulip mania, and treats pursuits like alchemy, prophecies, fortune-telling, and mesmerism, together with social panics including witch-hunts, duelling, relic-worship, haunted houses, poisoning scandals, and popular fascination with criminals. Chapters combine narrative anecdotes, contemporary caricatures, and commentary to reveal recurring patterns in how enthusiasm, fear, and credulity spread through communities and eventually peak and collapse.

About the Author

Charles Mackay

Charles Mackay was a Scottish poet, journalist, and writer, best known for his seminal work "Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds." This influential book, published in 1841, explores the psychology behind mass movements and the irrational behaviors exhibited by crowds throughout history. Mackay's keen observations and engaging prose have made his work a significant contribution to the fields of psychology and sociology. In addition to his exploration of popular delusions, he also wrote poetry and contributed to various periodicals, reflecting his diverse literary talents and interests.