Recent movements such as the Tea Party and anti-tax "constitutional conservatism" lay claim to the finance and taxation ideas of America's founders; but how much do we really know about the dramatic clashes over finance and economics that marked the founding of America? Dissenting from both right-wing claims and certain liberal preconceptions; Founding Finance brings to life the violent conflicts over economics; class; and finance that played directly; and in many ways ironically; into the hardball politics of forming the nation and ratifying the Constitution—conflicts that still continue to affect our politics; legislation; and debate today.Mixing lively narrative with fresh views of America's founders; William Hogeland offers a new perspective on America's economic infancy: foreclosure crises that make our current one look mild; investment bubbles in land and securities that drove rich men to high-risk borrowing and mad displays of ostentation before dropping them into debtors' prisons; depressions longer and deeper than the great one of the twentieth century; crony mercantilism; war profiteering; and government corruption that undermine any nostalgia for a virtuous early republic; and predatory lending of scarce cash at exorbitant; unregulated rates; which forced people into bankruptcy; landlessness; and working in the factories and on the commercial farms of their creditors. This story exposes and corrects a perpetual historical denial—by movements across the political spectrum—of America's all-important founding economic clashes; a denial that weakens and cheapens public discourse on American finance just when we need it most.
#233539 in Books 2008-02-19Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.50 x .50 x 5.00l; .32 #File Name: 0292718365112 pages
Review
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful. Pricey; short but very informativeBy Graeme MooreAt 99 pages and $35US (at time of review); the book doesnt come cheap. Thats the negative.However if you are seeking quality over quantity and want a work where the bulk of the information is drawn from first hand accounts; as opposed to suppositions and conjectures by present day historicans then this is a fine work.Chapter names are: (1) War (2) Feasting (3) Poetry (4) Religion (5) The Western Isles (6) The Ancient Celts Speak. The first 5 are self explanatory but the last is less so. The last chapter is basically overturning the old view that Druids left no written records due to their forbading any sacred text as well as the notion that Classical Celts were illiterate. Through inscriptions carved into stone or tablets of various material the author conveys some interesting points about Celtic life and practices; particuarly superstition and religion.Its full of little gems; such as first hand accounts of human sacrifice. Usually a poor criminal was chosen. The unlucky person could be kept imprisoned for 5 years before being impaled on a pole in honor of the gods. If that wasnt enough of an indignity he/she was then tossed onto a bonfire. Then there was the Celtic habit of proudly displaying the severed heads of tribal foes in their Gallic homes that was only brought to an end by Roman rule. If that doesnt wet the appetite you get to learn about funeral rites where once tradition dictated even beloved subordinates of the deceased may be thrown into the fire to appease the Gods (hence unpopularity and a high rank were truly worthy attributes to aspire to). It was also a requirement at council meetings that a bard be present for it appears that only the soothing music of bard could keep tempers under control. As one turns the pages; so much more one learns that both shocks and enlightens the senses.All up these images of Celtic culture above are probably not ones that readily come to mind. But they are just as much a part of Celtic society as the admirable art and craft works; peaceful images of druids wandering around prosperous villages or warriors just fending off enemies.All up; it makes for a nice informative and lucid read about all facets of Celtic life from across the regions of Gaul; Britian and Ireland. Now if only they could make is more accessible by significantly lowering the price to match the size - it would be just perfect.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. What a interesting journey !By Anglo-Saxon/CeltA more interesting and informative read on all things Celt; I don't believe can exist now or ever. What a thorough and fasinating read.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Would recommend!By BandBGreat read! Fascinating and in depth look at the ancient celts.
