Fifteen Gallons Or The Tyranny And Injustice Of Sumptuary Law (1838)

Fifteen Gallons: Or The Tyranny And Injustice Of Sumptuary Law is a historical non-fiction book written by Daniel Lewis Gibbens in 1838. The book highlights the oppressive nature of sumptuary laws, which were enacted to regulate the consumption of goods and services by different social classes. The author uses the story of a man named John Smith who is fined for purchasing fifteen gallons of beer, which was above his social class limit, to illustrate the injustice and absurdity of these laws. Through Smith's story, Gibbens argues that sumptuary laws are a violation of personal freedom and a tool used by the ruling class to maintain their power and control over the lower classes. The book also delves into the historical context of sumptuary laws, tracing their origins back to ancient times and their evolution through the Middle Ages and into the 19th century. Gibbens provides examples of specific laws enacted in different countries and time periods, highlighting their arbitrary nature and the negative impact they had on society. Overall, Fifteen Gallons is a thought-provoking and informative book that sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of social history. It challenges readers to consider the role of government in regulating personal behavior and the impact of such regulations on individual freedom and social justice.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.