Daylight Robbery

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What to expect

'Fuel for the post-Christmas lunch argument' Financial Times

Death and taxes are our inevitable fate. We've been told this since the beginning of civilisation. But what if we stopped to question our antiquated system? Is it fair? And is it capable of serving the needs of our rapidly-changing, modern society?

In Daylight Robbery, Dominic Frisby traces the origins of taxation, from its roots in the ancient world, through to today. He explores the role of tax in the formation of our global religions, the part tax played in wars and revolutions throughout the ages, why, at one stage, we paid tax for daylight or for growing a beard. Ranging from the despotic to the absurd, the tax laws of the past reveal so much about how we got to where we are today and what we can do to build a system fit for the future.

'This entertaining, surprising, contrarian book is a tour de force!' - Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything

'In this spectacular gallop through history, Frisby shows how taxation has warped, stunted and thwarted human progress' - Mark Littlewood, Director General, Institute of Economic Affairs

'Against all expectations, Dominic's book on tax is a real page-turner. His historical interpretation and utopian ideas will outrage Left and Right. Both should read the book' - Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe and Member of the House of Commons Treasury Committee

'Fascinating book which exposes the political and economic basis of tax. A must read for those of us who believe in simpler, lower taxes' - Rt Hon Liz Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade

'Both amusing and informative, it's a romp' - Bill Bonner, author of Empire of Debt

Critics Review

  • With dazzling clarity, Frisby illuminates just how much of history is explained by arguments over tax, from Magna Carta to the American civil war to today’s political debates. This entertaining, surprising, contrarian book is a tour de force

    Matt Ridley, author of The Evolution of Everything

  • An engaging and informative trip through tax history that leads on to some radical suggestions for the future. A must-read for anyone thinking about how our tax system should be structured

    Roger Bootle, author of The AI Economy

  • A real page-turner! Dominic Frisby’s historical interpretation and utopian ideas will outrage Left and Right. Both should read this book!

    Steve Baker, MP for Wycombe, member of the House of Commons Treasury Committee

  • In this spectacular gallop through history, Frisby shows how taxation has warped, stunted and thwarted human progress. An absolute must-read for anyone who thinks higher taxes are the answer to our ills. Should be compulsory reading for anyone who aspires to high political office!

    Mark Littlewood, Director General, Institute of Economic Affairs

  • A fascinating book which exposes the political and economic basis of tax. A must read for those of us who believe in simpler, lower taxes

    Rt Hon Liz Truss, MP for South West Norfolk, Secretary of State for International Trade and President of the Board of Trade

  • It has been said that the income tax created more criminals than any other single act of government. Dominic Frisby masterfully delves into the fascinating topic of taxation, vividly bringing it to life

    Jon Matonis Monetary Economist

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