Daylight Robbery

How Tax Shaped Our Past and Will Change Our Future

By: Dominic Frisby

Narrated by: Dominic Frisby

Length: 8 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Brought to you by Penguin.

For most people, tax is something we pay, simply because we must. We seldom think much more about it; in fact, tax is something we'd rather forget.

But the reality is that tax is the key to power. No government can survive without tax revenue - it is the fuel that every state, large and small, runs on. Many of the problems we face today, not least the enormous wealth gaps between rich and poor and between generations, can be traced back to our systems of tax. If you tax windows, many will sacrifice their daylight. If you tax cigarettes, some people will choose not to smoke; others will take up smuggling. Tax companies too much and many will relocate offshore.

In Daylight Robbery, Dominic Frisby offers an alternative vision of a system that is as old as civilisation itself. It will take you on a whirlwind journey through the history of taxation, from ancient Mesopotamia right up to the present day, explaining the key dynamics of taxation around the world and arguing that governments are going to have to radically change who they tax and how if they are to succeed in the future.

©2019 Dominic Frisby (P)2019 Penguin Audio

An Excellent Read On Taxation

Interesting and informative read on the history of taxation, it's cause and consequences. Highly recommend.

Interesting view on history

I learnt a lot about history of taxes and it is definitely an interesting lens.
The only complain I have is that the author does not go far enough with his imagination about what could have been and how it can go forward. The last chapter shows precisely that as it is complete statist nonsense. The rest is very educational.

Excellent

Great book for anyone interested in learning about the history and potential future of taxation and its myriad implications on society.

Brilliant narrative on how tax has shaped our life

This book provides key understanding on how taxes evolve and have shaped our society and continue to do so.

I however disagree somewhat with his idea of Utopia because he didnt elaborate on the role of central banks and government, since central banks have for the last century allowed government to spend more than the taxes they collect deepening inequality through inflation. Just fixing tax policy alone without reigning in central banks ability to create money from nothing will only fix half the problem leaving the rot to fester until we reach today's circumstances again, both have to be fixed together or else it will eventually come apart.

Fantastic

The content was great, and Frisby brings it to life with his narration. I intend to purchase the physical book to read it again!

90% of a great book.

All but the last Chapter was very informative and based on logical evidence, the last chapter was the downside. After just writing every other chapter, exposing how taxation has caused many issues in society, the last chapter was more of a brainfart. Insanity is doing something that has been proven bad, over and over again, then expecting different results trying it again. Taxation is a euphemism for extortion.

Outstanding!

I love it when a author narrates his own work. Usually no one else is as enthusiastic as they are about it. I believe he is right on the majority of points he makes at the end. I dont think I will see any of it in my time though.

A well-focused view of predation by Nation State

A great history of taxes.
Well narrated and written.
Another great book by Dominic Frisby

One of the best

In spite that it's about taxes this is one of the most enjoyable audio books ever.

great simple review of tax history

author does a nice job of narration. ideas distilled to someone not well versed in finance. recommend!