Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 1

"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.)

Charles Mackay, McKay, or MacKay may refer to:Charles Mackay (author) (1814–1889), Scottish poet, journalist, author, anthologist, novelist, and songwriter Charles McKay (1855–1883), American naturalist and explorer Charles Mackay (mayor) (1875–1929), New Zealand lawyer, local politician, and Mayor of Wanganui Charlie MacKay (1880–1953), Australian rules footballer and physician Charles Reay Mackay, Australian immunologist, fellow of the Australian Academy of Science Charles R. MacKay, pseudonym for William Harral Johnson and William Stewart Ross used on Life of Charles Bradlaugh, M.P. (1888), a libelous attack on Charles Bradlaugh Charles MacKay, American arts administrator