Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1

Name: Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1
Author: Charles Mackay

By Charles Mackay

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Economics History - European History - Modern (1750+)

About This Book

The author gathers historical episodes of collective irrationality, recounting financial bubbles such as the Mississippi and South Sea schemes and tulipmania, religious and occult panics including witch-hunts and relic veneration, and civic crazes like duels, prophetic movements, public admiration for notorious criminals, and exotic criminal cults; using descriptive anecdotes and commentary, the work traces how rumor, imitation, greed, and enthusiasm spread through communities and assesses the social and economic consequences of speculative mania, superstition, and other recurrent forms of mass delusion.

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.