Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 2

"Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions — Volume 2" by Charles Mackay is a historical examination of collective madness through the ages. Focusing on episodes like the Crusades and witch hunts, the book shows how societies become gripped by crazes. It investigates the human tendency to fall victim to mass hysteria and the strange beliefs that take hold of entire populations. Volume 2 starts with the Crusades, portraying how religious excitement and a search for salvation sparked a massive movement across Europe. The book describes a widespread belief that the world was ending, which pushed many people to travel to Jerusalem, seeking forgiveness. The story introduces influential characters, like Peter the Hermit, whose powerful speeches ignited popular support for the holy war. It reveals the tangled mix of reasons behind the actions of people of all social classes, highlighting the messy and often violent journey of the crusaders and the difference between their noble goals and the harsh truths they encountered.