Subject
Taxation -- Great Britain Books
Best books
Shepard Ashman Morgan
The History of Parliamentary Taxation in England
"The History of Parliamentary Taxation in England" by Shepard Ashman Morgan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the evolution of taxation in England from the time of the Anglo-Saxons through key events such as the Norman Conquest, the establishment of Magna Carta, and the gradual shift toward parliamentary control over taxation. The book explores the changing dynamics of authority regarding tax implementation, focusing on the transition from royal edict to parliamentary approval. The opening of the text provides insights into the early concepts of taxation during the Saxon period, indicating that this system relied on voluntary contributions based on loyalty rather than imposed taxes. It highlights how the king, with the consent of assemblies like the Witenagemot, established early forms of revenue collection, including extraordinary levies like the Danegeld during foreign threats. As the narrative progresses, it suggests that taxation became a critical aspect of governance, setting the stage for the controversies and developments that ultimately contributed to the establishment of parliamentary taxation in the centuries to come.
Winston Churchill
Liberalism and the Social Problem
"Liberalism and the Social Problem" by Winston Churchill is a collection of significant political speeches written in the early 20th century. The work articulates Churchill's perspectives on various pressing issues of the time, including the interplay between Liberalism and Socialism, the role of government in social welfare, and constitutional matters in British colonies, particularly in South Africa. The speeches also reflect on the political climate and aim to establish a framework for progressive governance. The opening of this volume presents a preface by Churchill, outlining the purpose of the collected speeches as a coherent examination of British politics during a critical period. He emphasizes the importance of addressing social problems through a Liberal lens, advocating for a balance between state intervention and individual enterprise. He argues against pure Socialism while advocating for necessary reforms that enhance social welfare and tackle issues such as unemployment. The speeches therein show a commitment to using government power to organize society for the common good while maintaining the tenets of Liberalism, thus addressing contemporary challenges with a progressive vision.
Recently surfaced classics