Books

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 6"). Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into later cloth, gilt title to spine, endleaves renewed. Light rubbing, a few minor stains, spine ends and corners bumped. Very light browning and light foxing to text, early repairs to margins of a few leaves. $2,750. * Sixth and final edition. Petty, an economist, scientist and philosopher, is considered the father of laissez-faire economic policy and an important theorist of the division of labor. Originally published in 1662, A Discourse of Taxes and Contributions addresses the theoretical foundations of value and wages, profit or surplus, interest, the value of land, and foreign exchange. "Written in the midst of urgent practical tasks, the Treatise was plainly occasioned by another question of great immediate importance - the reorganisation of the Revenue by the Restoration Parliament. However, in contrast to the many economic treatises written in defence of concrete interests, while professing to be unbiased theoretical pronouncements, Petty's work is even more remarkable for its theoretical digressions than for its acute and important analysis of its immediate subject. So far from making any claim to scientific detachment, it contains a devastating attack on his betes noires, the parasites on the body politic, primarily the clergy and the lawyers, but its greatest achievement is his searching treatment of the main problems of scientific economics. The book is brimful of.

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.