Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions - And the Madness of Crowds #225260

<i>Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds</i> is written in two volumes, and presents itself as an objective account of a history of Scottish folly. The author, Charles Mackay, was a famous Scottish journalist, poet, novelist, and songwriter with an incredible legacy of scholarship and activism. Mackay's personal beliefs and strong oppositional voice flow easily through the pages as he takes the reader on a journey to explore Scottish history and societal foibles. This volume also contains a litany of detailed engravings, designed to help the reader to better understand the context and import of the written content.<br> <br>The book series discusses three subjects of folly: National Delusions, Peculiar Follies, and Philosophical Delusions. Volume one highlights economic bubbles such as the Mississippi Company bubble, and the South Sea Company bubble; the practice of alchemy and notable alchemists; and turn-of-the-century mystic beliefs. Mackay doesn't pull any punches and lambastes alchemic practice as "hazardous" and "not scientific at all". He is also incredibly direct on his thoughts around the spiritualist movement, lumping modern prophecies, fortune-telling, and the magnetizers into one group wrought with superstition and willful duplicity. Mackay takes particular offense to the long standing belief that politics and religion accompany hygiene choices -- influencing the length and style of hair and beards. While the book has a strong sensational tone to its style, it is interesting to note that the content of the series garnered academic support due to its input on the history of psychopathology and social psychology.<br> <br>Ultimately, the book <i>Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds</i> works as a social commentary and critique on not only Scottish society but also European society as a whole. This book provides an entertaining look at social beliefs and their criticisms. This is an interesting read for individuals who want to know more about Scottish history, social psychology, and historic sociology.