MacKay answered that in 1841. See http://www.econlib.org/library/Mackay/macEx.html
The chapters labeled “11. The Slow Poisoners” and “14. Popular Admiration of Great Thieves” seem apt, but the whole work is an education.
Yes, an excellent read:
“Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds”
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/24518/24518-h/24518-h.htm
I first read it in a library up in KS during a long weekend alone during a business trip.
Tried to find a hard copy but was unsuccessful. Finally found it on project Gutenberg.