Honest Money

by Arthur Isaac Fonda

"Honest Money" by Arthur Isaac Fonda is an analytical treatise on monetary theory written in the late 19th century. The work delves into the principles of a sound monetary system, discussing the deficiencies in the current monetary frameworks and advocating for what the author deems "honest money." Fonda's exploration is rooted in economic theory, highlighting the relationship between value, money supply, and their profound impacts on society's prosperity. The opening of the book presents Fonda's motivations for writing, rooted in his quest to address the persistent economic issues surrounding the monetary system, particularly the recurring fluctuations in prosperity and employment. He posits that these fluctuations arise from fundamental faults in the monetary framework and that the discussions around money often overlook essential economic principles. Fonda sets the stage for a systematic examination of existing monetary systems, focusing initially on defining key concepts like value and money, and indicating his intent to propose improvements for a more stable and equitable monetary standard.