Fiscal Ballads

Fiscal Ballads by Harry Graham delivers irresistibly witty, sharp-edged verse that lampoons the fiscal debates of early 20th-century Britain. Graham’s ballads — originally appearing in the Westminster Gazette and republished here — turn complex issues of tariffs, protectionism, colonial trade and preferential treatment into brisk, memorable songs that cut through rhetoric with humor and irony. The collection blends political poetry and satirical verse, voicing figures from the common workman to the statesman and exposing the tensions between free trade and protection in the Edwardian era. With nimble rhyme and plainspoken parody, Graham teases out themes of labour, empire, statistics, and public persuasion without heavy-handedness. The poems capture a moment when economic policy was hotly contested, yet do so with a timeless wit that still illuminates debates about trade, industry, and national identity. Ideal for listeners who enjoy political satire, historical poetry, or economic and cultural history, this audiobook brings Graham’s rhythmic, conversational lines to life. Tune in for a brisk, entertaining primer on fiscal argument framed as verse — smart, accessible, and sharply entertaining.