The History of the English Corn Laws, written by Joseph Shield Nicholson and published in 1904, is a comprehensive account of the laws that regulated the import and export of corn (grain) in England from the 12th century until their repeal in 1846. The book examines the political, economic, and social factors that influenced the creation and enforcement of the Corn Laws, as well as their impact on agriculture, trade, and the welfare of the English people.Nicholson begins by tracing the origins of the Corn Laws to the medieval period, when the government sought to protect domestic agriculture from foreign competition. He then discusses the various iterations of the laws over the centuries, including the controversial 1815 Corn Law, which imposed high tariffs on imported grain and sparked widespread protests and riots.Throughout the book, Nicholson provides detailed analysis of the economic theories and debates surrounding the Corn Laws, including the ideas of Adam Smith, David Ricardo, and other prominent economists of the time. He also explores the political struggles that shaped the laws, including the influence of the landed aristocracy and the rising power of the middle class.Overall, The History of the English Corn Laws is a valuable resource for anyone interested in the economic and political history of England, as well as the broader debates over free trade and protectionism that continue to shape global politics today.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
