Synopses & Reviews
Review
Now with a new introduction--award-winning historian Garry Wills's definitive analysis of the Federalist Papers
In 1787 and 1788, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison published what remains perhaps the greatest example of political journalism in the English language--the Federalist Papers. Written to urge ratification of the Constitution, the eighty-five essays--trenchant in thought and graceful in expression--defended the Constitution not merely as a theoretical statement but as a practical instrument of rule. Now updated with a new introduction, Garry Wills's classic study subjects these essays to rigorous analysis, illuminating, as only he can, their significance in the development of the philosophy on which our government is based.
Review
To read The Federalist afresh, as Wills has done, is to have hope renewed. (The New Republic)
Review
A virtuoso exercise in scholarship. (Washington Post Book World)
Review
Now with a new introduction--award-winning historian Garry Wills's definitive analysis of the Federalist Papers
In 1787 and 1788, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison published what remains perhaps the greatest example of political journalism in the English language--the Federalist Papers. Written to urge ratification of the Constitution, the eighty-five essays--trenchant in thought and graceful in expression--defended the Constitution not merely as a theoretical statement but as a practical instrument of rule. Now updated with a new introduction, Garry Wills's classic study subjects these essays to rigorous analysis, illuminating, as only he can, their significance in the development of the philosophy on which our government is based.
Synopsis
Look out for a new book from Garry Wills, What The Qur'an Meant, coming fall 2017.
Now with a new introduction--award-winning historian Garry Wills's definitive analysis of the Federalist Papers
In 1787 and 1788, Alexander Hamilton and James Madison published what remains perhaps the greatest example of political journalism in the English language--the Federalist Papers. Written to urge ratification of the Constitution, the eighty-five essays--trenchant in thought and graceful in expression--defended the Constitution not merely as a theoretical statement but as a practical instrument of rule. Now updated with a new introduction, Garry Wills's classic study subjects these essays to rigorous analysis, illuminating, as only he can, their significance in the development of the philosophy on which our government is based.
About the Author
Garry Wills is one of the most respected writers on religion today. He is the author of Saint Augustine’s Childhood, Saint Augustine’s Memory, and Saint Augustine’s Sin, the first three volumes in this series, as well as the Penguin Lives biography Saint Augustine. His other books include “Negro President”: Jefferson and the Slave Power, Why I Am a Catholic, Papal Sin, and Lincoln at Gettysburg, which won the Pulitzer Prize.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Prologue
Part One: The "Hamiltonian" Madison
1. Annapolis
2. Nassau Hall
3. Opinion
4. Corruption
5. Construction
Part Two: The "Madisonian" Hamilton
6. Annapolis
7. King's College
8. Commerce
9. Passions
10. Monarchy
Part Three: Checks and Balances (No. 51)
11. Mixed Government
12. Separated Powers
13. Checks
14. Legislative Supremacy: Hamilton
15. Judicial Review: Hamilton
16. Celebrated Maxim
17. Judicial Review: Madison
18. Legislative Supremacy: Madison
19. Sovereignty
20. Federalism
Part Four: Representation (No. 10)
21. Genius of the People
22. Virtue
23. Faction
24. Interest
25. Party
26. Extent of Territory
27. To Refine...
28. ...and Enlarge
29. Diffusive Character
30. The Third Publius
31. Accuracy
Epilogue
Key to Brief Citations
Topic Outline of The Federalist
Index to Federalist Numbers
Index to Phrases (No. 10)
Glossary
Index to Proper Names