Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1 by Charles Mackay

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Author Mackay, Charles, 1814-1889
Title Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1
Note Reading ease score: 63.5 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Credits Produced by An Anonymous Volunteer and David Widger
Summary "Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1" by Charles Mackay is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The book explores the fascinating and often irrational behaviors exhibited by societies throughout history, particularly focusing on collective delusions that have driven entire nations to the brink of folly, such as financial schemes and panics. The opening portion introduces the theme of societal madness and delusion, particularly around financial schemes, as illustrated through the life of John Law and his notorious Mississippi Scheme. Law’s rise and fall are pivotal, showcasing how he captured the nation's imagination and trust with ambitious financial propositions, only to lead it into chaos as irrational exuberance took hold. Mackay vividly paints Law’s transition from a celebrated financier to a scapegoat for the misfortunes that befell France, depicting a society blinded by greed and speculation, ultimately grappling with the consequences of its own collective madness. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class AZ: General Works: History of scholarship and learning, The humanities
Subject Social psychology
Subject Swindlers and swindling
Subject Impostors and imposture
Subject Alchemy
Subject Delusions
Subject Occultism -- Early works to 1900
Subject Investments -- Psychological aspects
Subject Stock exchanges -- Psychological aspects
Subject Hallucinations and illusions
Subject Common fallacies
Category Text
EBook-No. 636
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Feb 5, 2013
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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