London: Richard Bentley, 1841. In three volumes. First edition. 8vo. (vi), 400; (vi), 406; (vi), 404 pp.; half-titles in second and third volumes; each volume lacking ads at rear. Illustrated with an engraved portrait frontispiece in each volume, and two engraved portrait plates in third volume. Three-quarter polished tan calf over marbled paper-covered board, stamped in blind and in gilt, red morocco spine labels; top edges gilt, other edges untrimmed; by Worsfold.

A handsome first edition set of this early and perennially popular work on crowd psychology. Mackay's work is divided into three broad categories: "National Delusions," "Peculiar Follies," and "Philosophical Delusions," and discusses a wide range of subjects including the Crusades, witch-hunts, alchemy, poltergeists, and the political and religious influence on hair and beards. The chapters on economic bubbles and financial mania has proven especially influential and is now considered a key text in the field of economics.