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The History of Taxes

A 17th century French politician is credited with having said that the art of taxation consists of "plucking the goose to obtain the largest possible amount of feathers with the least possible amount of hissing." If, like me, you enjoy the tax season about as much as a spinal tap, then perhaps what you need is a philosophical study on how taxation has evolved through the ages. Tom Herman's lively and informative essay explains how Peter the Great once taxed beards, while in the 1700s the English paid a tax on windows. It also offers the name of Dave Barry's favorite tax form (far too long to quote here). It won't make filling out that Schedule D any easier, but this piece should enlighten and entertain you, as well as allow you to procrastinate for a few more minutes.

Tue, 28 Mar 2000 05:55:37 -0800