Publisher's Synopsis
Extraordinary Popular Delusions V3 is a classic book written by Charles Mackay, first published in 1841. The book is a comprehensive study of various historical events and social phenomena that have led to mass delusions and hysteria. Mackay examines the psychological and social factors that contribute to these delusions, including greed, fear, and superstition.The book is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different theme. The first part explores financial bubbles and market crashes, such as the South Sea Bubble and the Mississippi Scheme. Mackay analyzes the factors that led to these economic crises and the impact they had on society.The second part of the book examines religious manias and cults, including the Crusades, the Witch Craze, and the Millerite movement. Mackay delves into the psychological and social factors that led people to believe in these religious delusions and the impact they had on society.The final part of the book explores popular delusions and superstitions, including the belief in witchcraft, alchemy, and the Rosicrucians. Mackay analyzes the factors that led people to believe in these superstitions and the impact they had on society.Overall, Extraordinary Popular Delusions V3 is a fascinating and insightful study of human behavior and the power of mass hysteria. Mackay's analysis of historical events and social phenomena provides valuable insights into the nature of human belief and the factors that contribute to popular delusions.For more than a thousand years the art of alchymy captivated many noble spirits, and was believed in by millions. Its origin is involved in obscurity. Some of its devotees have claimed for it an antiquity coeval with the creation of man himself; others, again, would trace it no further back than the time of Noah. Vincent de Beauvais argues, indeed, that all the antediluvians must have possessed a knowledge of alchymy; and particularly cites Noah as having been acquainted with the elixir vitae, or he could not have lived to so prodigious an age, and have begotten children when upwards of five hundred.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
