I'm very interested in analysis of why, contextually, particular pseudoscientific theories become popular, and what that then says about that context. I'm especially interested in environmentalist and health focussed theories (chemtrails, anti-vaxxer theories), and alternative histories (like Ancient Aliens) rather than religious-influenced theories like Intelligent Design.
My searching has turned up a few things, mostly when I search about a specific topic, but any online inquiry into pseudoscience more generally tends to only turn up either pseudoscientific theories themselves, or writing debunking them. I haven't found much writing about the whys and wherefores and historical influences.
I would deeply appreciate any sources, and any analysis from a historian who knows something about this. Thanks!
Just happened to read through Fritze's "Invented Knowledge: False History, Fake Science and Pseudo-Religions." It focuses heavily on pseudohistory, having chapters on Atlantis, settlement theories of ancient America, racist cosmogonies, and a case study about the Black Athena controversy.
I'm no expert on this matter but I found the book very interesting, and if you're interested in alternative or pseudo-histories, I think you really should check out this book. I at least haven't seen a better exposition of the historical influences of pseudoscience.
I, too, would be interested in the history of environmentally focussed pseudoscience, so any answers would be much appreciated by me as well :).