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The Federalist Papers by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay & James Madison

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The Federalist Papers

by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay & James Madison

Narrator Arthur Morey

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Length 19 hours 51 minutes

Language English

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Summary
About the authors
About the narrator

Originally published anonymously, The Federalist Papers first appeared in 1787 as a series of letters to New York newspapers exhorting voters to ratify the proposed Constitution of the United States. Still hotly debated and open to often controversial interpretations, the arguments first presented here by three of America's greatest patriots and political theorists were created during a critical moment in our nation's history, providing readers with a running ideological commentary on the crucial issues facing a democracy. Today, The Federalist Papers are as important and vital a rallying cry for freedom as ever.

History Politics & Economy Essays Nonfiction Law

Alexander Hamilton (1757-1804) was born in the West Indies, the illegitimate child of a Scottish merchant. He came to the American colonies to study at King's College (now Columbia University) and became an early and ardent supporter of the Revolutionary cause. During the Revolutionary War, he was the aide-de-camp to George Washington and a member of the Continental Congress. He was a leading figure at the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and a principal author of The Federalist Papers. As the first secretary of the treasury of the United States, Hamilton articulated a policy of protection for manufacturing interests, strong central government, and establishment of a national bank. After leaving the Cabinet, he practiced law in New York. His personal attacks hindered the political career of the volatile Aaron Burr, who finally challenged him to a duel in 1804. Hamilton was shot and died of his wounds.

John Jay (1745-1829) was a conservative lawyer who became a leading patriot. He served as minister to Spain, became the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, and negotiated the treaty of 1795 between the United States and Britain. His contributions to The Federalist Papers concern foreign affairs.

James Madison (1751-1836) was the son of a Virginia planter. He worked for the Revolutionary cause as a member of the Continental Congress and the Virginia House of Delegates. The leader of deliberations at the Constitutional Convention, he fought for the adoption of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Through an ally of Alexander Hamilton on the Constitution, he was a supporter of Thomas Jefferson's agrarian policies. He was Jefferson's secretary of state and his successor as president, but his presidency was marred by the unpopular War of 1812.

Arthur Morey has recorded over two hundred audiobooks in history, fiction, science, business, and religion, earning a number of AudioFile Earphones Awards and two Audie Award nominations. He was an editor at two publishers and taught writing at Northwestern University. His plays and songs have been produced in New York, Chicago, and Milan, where he has also performed. Arthur attended Harvard and the University of Chicago.