Charles Mackay 
Selections from ‘Extraordinary Popular Delusions’ and ‘The Madness of Crowds’ [PDF ebook] 

This selection, first published in 1973, compiles a fascinating study of crowd psychology as it examines the moral epidemics and fits of madness that have bewitched the cities of Europe and their citizens from the dark ages to modern times. Among the selections are tales of thieves and poisoners, demons and poltergeists mingled with all the crazes, fantasies, divinations and prophecies that have stunned the critical faculties.