War, Wine, and Taxes: The Political Economy of Anglo-French Trade, 1689–1900

In this insightful exploration of Anglo-French trade from 1689 to 1900, John V.C. Nye challenges the prevailing narrative surrounding Britain's reputation as a bastion of free trade. With a sharp analytical lens, Nye delves into the complex political and economic dynamics that shaped trading relationships between these two prominent nations over two centuries.

The book meticulously examines how various wars, shifts in economic policies, and taxation systems influenced trade practices. Nye highlights key events and decisions that undermined the simplistic view of Britain as an unyielding advocate for free trade, presenting a more nuanced picture of its economic strategies and motivations.

By analyzing primary sources and economic data, the author paints a detailed portrait of the interconnectedness of war, agriculture, and taxation in the evolution of trade relations. Ultimately, this work provides a fresh perspective, inviting readers to reconsider the historical context and economic realities that defined Anglo-French commerce, and to understand the complexities behind the facade of free trade rhetoric.

Nye’s scholarship not only enriches the history of international trade but also prompts critical thinking about how economic policies are shaped by broader societal and political factors. Readers are left with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of trade and the historical forces that drive it.