The Essential Federalist: A New Reading of the Federalist Papers

Jefferson called The Federalist "the best commentary on the principles of government which was ever written," and yet the text is considered lifeless and impenetrable by all but the most persistent readers. The Essential Federalist presents a bold new approach to reading one of the most important documents in American history. By careful selection, organization, and annotation of the essays' most meaningful passages, this book showcases what is central to The Federalist. "If the road over which you will still have to pass," in reading these papers, wrote Publius, "should in some places appear to you tedious or irksome, you will recollect that you are in quest of information on a subject the most momentous which can engage the attention of free people. . . . It will be my aim to remove the obstacles to your progress in as compendious a manner as it can be done, without sacrificing utility to dispatch." Dr. Quentin P. Taylor takes up Publius' challenge by making The Federalist an understandable and usable resource. This book will be essential reading for anyone who seeks to understand the roots of American government.