The Federalist (The 100 Greatest Books of All Time)

654 pp. 8vo. Navy blue full leather, gilt titles and decorations, all edges gilt, silk moire endpapers, ribbon marker bound in. The writings of some of the founding fathers of America give fresh insight into the meaning of the U.S. Constitution. This edition was arranged, edited, and annotated by Jacob E. Cooke, with color illustrations by Birney Lettick. It also includes the complete text of the United States Constitution. "The series of essays that comprise The Federalist constitutes one of the key texts of the American Revolution and the democratic system created in the wake of independence. Written in 1787 and 1788 by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay to promote the ratification of the proposed Constitution, these papers stand as perhaps the most eloquent testimonial to democracy that exists. They describe the ideas behind the American system of government: the separation of powers; the organization of Congress; the respective positions of the executive, legislative, and judiciary; and much more. The Federalist remains essential reading for anyone interested in politics and government, and indeed for anyone seeking a foundational statement about democracy and America."