Select Temperance Tracts is exactly what it sounds like—a curated batch of short pamphlets published by the American Tract Society in the 1800s. There's no single plot, but a unified mission: to convince Americans that alcohol was a national poison.

The Story

Each tract is a self-contained argument. Some read like mini-sermons, warning of moral decay and divine punishment. Others are heartbreaking narratives—a first-person account from a "reformed drunkard," or a story about a family torn apart by a father's addiction. You'll find lists of shocking statistics about crime and poverty linked to drink, alongside pledges for readers to sign, promising to abstain. It’s a full-court press of moral, economic, and emotional persuasion.

Why You Should Read It

The power here is in the primary source material. You’re not reading a modern analysis of the temperance movement; you’re reading its propaganda. The language is urgent, sometimes flowery, and completely convinced of its own rightness. It shows how activists framed their cause not just as personal choice, but as a public health crisis and a patriotic duty. It’s fascinating to see which arguments they thought would hit home hardest.

Final Verdict

This collection is perfect for history buffs, sociology nerds, or anyone curious about how social movements try to change minds. It’s not a light read, but it’s a quick one—you can dip in and out. If you’ve ever wanted to understand the fervor behind Prohibition, start with these pamphlets. They are the original source code.