Josiah Tucker

author

Josiah Tucker

1712–1799

An 18th-century churchman who wrote boldly about trade, politics, and the future of the British Empire, he was known for questioning popular ideas and arguing his case with unusual directness. His books and pamphlets made him a lively voice in early debates about political economy.

1 Audiobook

An Humble Address and Earnest Appeal to Those Respectable Personages in Great-Britain and Ireland, Who, by Their Great and Permanent Interest in Landed Property, Their Liberal Education, Elevated Rank, and Enlarged Views, Are the Ablest to Judge, and the Fittest to Decide, Whether a Connection with, Or a Separation from the Continental Colonies of America, Be Most for the National Advantage, and the Lasting Benefit of These Kingdoms

An Humble Address and Earnest Appeal to Those Respectable Personages in Great-Britain and Ireland, Who, by Their Great and Permanent Interest in Landed Property, Their Liberal Education, Elevated Rank, and Enlarged Views, Are the Ablest to Judge, and the Fittest to Decide, Whether a Connection with, Or a Separation from the Continental Colonies of America, Be Most for the National Advantage, and the Lasting Benefit of These Kingdoms

by Josiah Tucker

About the author

Josiah Tucker was a Welsh churchman, political writer, and economist who became dean of Gloucester in 1758. Sources consistently describe him as an energetic and independent-minded writer whose work ranged across religion, commerce, public policy, and imperial questions.

He is especially remembered for his writing on trade and political economy. Rather than simply repeating the orthodox views of his day, he took strong positions on issues such as commerce, liberty, and Britain's relationship with its colonies, which helped make him a notable figure in 18th-century political debate.

Although the exact birth year is not presented consistently in the sources consulted, they agree that he died in 1799 and that his reputation rests on his sharp, candid arguments about politics and economics as much as on his church career.