Sober by Act of Parliament

A thoughtful exploration of temperance policy, this work examines whether legislation can truly curb the habit of drinking. Drawing on official statistics and first‑hand reports from America, Europe and Australia, the author presents a balanced picture that avoids partisan rhetoric. The narrative is anchored in a detailed case study of South Carolina’s daring experiment with state‑run liquor dispensaries, a system that replaces traditional saloons with government‑controlled outlets.

The book follows the political turmoil surrounding the 1892 election, the rise of the prohibition party, and the swift passage of a compromise bill championed by Governor Benjamin Tillman. By portraying the clash between fervent reformers, entrenched interests, and ordinary citizens, it reveals the complexities of imposing moral reforms through law. Readers will come away with a nuanced understanding of early attempts to legislate sobriety and the social forces that shaped them.