Jaap van Ginneken's study explores the social and intellectual history of the emergence of crowd psychology in the late nineteenth century. Both the popular work of the French physician LeBon and his predecessors are shown to be influenced and closely connected with both the dramatic events and academic debates of their day.

"Crowd Psychology: Philosophical and Literary Works - Illustrated Edition" is a comprehensive collection that delves into the intricate dynamics of human behavior and group psychology. This anthology assembles influential philosophical and literary works that explore the collective consciousness of crowds, their impact on society, and the power of the masses. Included in this edition are "The Social Contract" by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, "The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind" by Gustave Le Bon, "Group Psychology and The Analysis of the Ego" by Sigmund Freud, and "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds" by Charles Mackay. In "The Social Contract," Rousseau contemplates the nature of legitimate authority and the social contract that binds individuals into a collective body. His ideas on governance and the relationship between the individual and the state remain influential in political philosophy. Gustave Le Bon's "The Crowd" is a pioneering study of how crowds can exhibit unique behaviors and characteristics that differ from those of individuals. Le Bon's exploration of the psychology of crowds offers profound insights into their influence on culture, politics, and decision-making. Sigmund Freud's "Group Psychology and The Analysis of the Ego" delves into the dynamics of group behavior and the impact of group dynamics on the individual psyche. Freud's work explores the way in which individuals function within a collective and the subconscious forces at play. "Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds" by Charles Mackay is a fascinating study of historical examples of mass hysteria, speculative bubbles, and popular delusions. Mackay's work serves as a cautionary exploration of the irrational tendencies that can grip large groups of people. Jean-Jacques Rousseau. The Social Contract Gustave Le Bon. The Crowd: A Study of the Popular Mind Gustave Le Bon. The Psychology of Revolution Sigmund Freud. Group Psychology And The Analysis Of The Ego Charles Mackay. Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds Wilfred Trotter. Instincts of the Herd in Peace and War Everett Dean Martin. The Behavior of Crowds: A Psychological Study

In this fascinating book, New Yorker business columnist James Surowiecki explores a deceptively simple idea: Large groups of people are smarter than an elite few, no matter how brilliant—better at solving problems, fostering innovation, coming to wise decisions, even predicting the future. With boundless erudition and in delightfully clear prose, Surowiecki ranges across fields as diverse as popular culture, psychology, ant biology, behavioral economics, artificial intelligence, military history, and politics to show how this simple idea offers important lessons for how we live our lives, select our leaders, run our companies, and think about our world.