The Black Death, and The Dancing Mania

Justus Friedrich Carl Hecker

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9782528100271
• Topic: Medicine
• Subtopic: 20th Century History

The Black Death, and The Dancing Mania by Justus Friedrich Carl Hecker is a seminal historical and medical study that delves into two of the most mysterious and devastating phenomena of the Middle Ages. First published in the 19th century and translated by B.G. Babington, this work meticulously examines the origins, spread, and impact of the Black Death—the catastrophic plague that swept through Europe in the 14th century, decimating populations and altering the course of history. Hecker draws upon contemporary chronicles, medical treatises, and eyewitness accounts to reconstruct the harrowing progression of the disease, its symptoms, and the social, religious, and psychological responses it provoked. The book also explores the enigmatic phenomenon known as the Dancing Mania, a series of mass psychogenic illnesses that caused groups of people to dance uncontrollably, sometimes to the point of exhaustion or death. Hecker investigates the possible causes of these outbreaks, considering theories ranging from ergot poisoning to collective hysteria, and situates them within the broader context of medieval superstition, religious fervor, and social upheaval. Throughout, Hecker's narrative is both scholarly and vivid, offering readers a window into the fears, beliefs, and resilience of people confronted with inexplicable suffering. The Black Death, and The Dancing Mania remains a classic in the fields of medical history and social psychology, providing invaluable insights into the interplay between disease, culture, and human behavior during one of the most turbulent periods in European history.

Table of contents

• The Black Death and The Dancing Mania.