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alanffm's review against another edition
4.0
A collection of essays pertaining to folly, the madness of crowds, famous schemes, and infamous scams. The first essay, which deals with the spread of slang and catechisms, was the least engaging essay in the collection. The rest, however, were an absolute pleasure to read.
From the South Sea Company, to Tulipomania in Holland, and finally to the popularization of poisoning in Europe, Mackay astutely demonstrates how willingly individuals self-sabotage en-mass when taken by fantastical desires, dreams, and promises.
Surprisingly, I found it very helpful to read Some Extraordinary Popular Delusions as a book -- first and foremost -- about economics, and not psychology.
From the South Sea Company, to Tulipomania in Holland, and finally to the popularization of poisoning in Europe, Mackay astutely demonstrates how willingly individuals self-sabotage en-mass when taken by fantastical desires, dreams, and promises.
Surprisingly, I found it very helpful to read Some Extraordinary Popular Delusions as a book -- first and foremost -- about economics, and not psychology.
rfolland's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting read, albeit heavy with the old language. Describes financial bubbles as well as the crusades, witch hunting in the middle ages and lots more. The later chapters I just skimmed, they described poisoning crazes, haunted houses etc. I found the first parts of the book most interesting.
ipb1's review against another edition
4.0
Dodgy financial dealings, ridiculous slang, stupid fashions, unsubstantiated superstition, pseudo-scientific wiffle.... today's world bears a lot of similarity with the 'popular delusions' of previous centuries that Mackay skewers with his dry and sardonic wit. Horribly, depressingly contemporary in its relevance.
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