RUMEURS

For the public, the word "rumor" evokes a mysterious, almost magical phenomenon. Its mode of action on men is close to hypnosis: it fascinates, subjugates, seduces, ignites. Far from being mysterious, rumors follow a strong logic whose mechanisms can be dismantled. Today we can answer the questions: how are they born, where do they leave from, why do they one day appear in a group or in a particular place? What rules do they obey? How do we live with rumors, how do we use them, for what purposes? And finally can we put out a rumor? A somewhat old book (1987) and whose examples could be renewed today but which describes with precision the immortal mechanism of rumor.