Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds (eBook)

Charles Mackay (1814–1889) was a Scottish poet, journalist, author, and anthropologist, renowned for his seminal work 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds,' first published in 1841. In this influential book, Mackay delves into the psychology of crowds and the peculiarities of mass behavior, dissecting various financial and social follies throughout history. His insightful analysis introduces a range of phenomena, from economic bubbles like the infamous Dutch Tulipomania to the pursuits of alchemists and the horrors of witch trials. Mackay's elegantly persuasive prose combined with his inquisitive approach to the consequences of herd behavior has established his text as a foundational work in the fields of social psychology and behavioral economics. His literary style, characterized by a clear, engaging narrative replete with historical anecdotes, has allowed 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds' to endure as both a scholarly reference and a compelling read for a broader audience interested in the complexities of mass movements and societal quirks. The book remains in print and continues to be admired for its prescient observations that resonate in contemporary analyses of market psychology and collective behavior.