Books

1689. London, 1689. 6th and final edition. London, 1689. 6th and final edition. "One of the Handful of First-Rate Economic Treatises and a Classic on Its Subject" [Petty, Sir William (1623-1687)]. A Discourse of Taxes and Contributions: Shewing the Nature and Measures of Crown-Lands, Assessments, Customs, Poll-Moneys, Lotteries, Benevolence, Penalties, Monopolies, Offices, Tythes, Hearth, Excise, &c. With Several Intersperst Discourses and Digressions Concerning Wars, The Church, Universities, Rents and Purchases, Usury and Exchange, Banks and Lombards, Registries for Conveyances, Beggars, Ensurance, Exportation of Money, Wooll, Free Ports, Coins, Housing, Liberty of Conscience, &c. The Same Being Frequently Applied to the State and Affairs of Ireland, And is Now Thought Seasonable for the Present Affairs of England; Humbly Recommended to the Present Parliament. London: Printed for Edward Poole, 1689. [x], 72 pp. Lacking half-title and two initial blank leaves. Quarto (7-3/4" x…

An early work on political economy that addresses the structure of taxation and its effects on society and government. Petty, a notable economist and scientist, aimed to explore how taxes could be levied in a way that would support the state while also promoting economic productivity and social stability. In this treatise, Petty examines various types of taxes, including taxes on land, goods, income, and even labor, proposing that taxes should be structured in a way that doesn't harm industry or discourage people from working. He advocates for efficient tax collection and emphasizes the importance of fairness, suggesting that taxes should be proportional to people's ability to pay. Petty also discusses public expenditures and the need for government spending to be rational and geared toward the public good. He stresses the relationship between taxes and national prosperity, arguing that a well-organized tax system can enhance economic growth. His ideas about wealth distribution, labor, and economic management were advanced for his time and laid the groundwork for modern discussions on taxation and public finance. The treatise is significant for its early analysis of economic principles, and it reflects Petty's desire to apply scientific methods to solve practical problems in governance and economics. It remains an important historical document in the study of taxation and political economy.