The Federalist Papers In Modern Language: Indexed for Today's Political Issues

by Mary E. Webster

This is an easier-to-read, modern language edition of all 85 Federalist Papers. The book includes the U.S. Constitution and Articles of Confederation. This was first published in 1999 and has been a great aid to students and citizens who want to understand the Founding Fathers' interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Law, American History, Philosophy, Government

418 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 1999

Reviews

[Nickie]

This book is fantastic. After reading 66 Fed Papers and just feeling lost I get it now. I can read this first and then I read the actually language and I understand what that darn Hamilton is talking about.

If only I knew this from the beginning. Well I'm almost finished now.

[David Robins]

Makes the original a little more readable, and thus faster to read through (I find the papers a bit repetitive, but then they are rhetoric, not purely explanatory), but remains true to the content. Some typographical errors; could have been better proofed.

[Scott]

This should be required reading for everyone. The "translation" into modern language is great. The thoughts expressed in the book are timeless, however, and would be great lessons for today's politicians to follow. Maybe we'd have less government and more freedom.

[Brent]

Excellent alternative to actually reading The Federalist papers. Some of the original language in The Federalist are challenging for modern readers. This "modern language" version is excellent especially when combined with the indexing. The indexing helps one find the connection of each paper with current political issues. Understanding the intent of the U.S. Constitution as explained in The Federalist will open your eyes as to why so many autocratic-minded politicians want to change the constitution and why its principles are so important to protect.

[David Page]

Mary Webster has done a fantastic job of bringing these Founding essays to life for modern readers. The importance of these essays cannot be understated, and as language naturally evolves and drifts from the 18th-century context of the Founders, the antiquity of the vocabulary and sentence structure confounds modern readers. Webster has provided a tremendous service, much like John Wycliffe, to bring these essays into the contemporary language of everyday Americans. This book is my go-to reference for unwinding the thoughts and insights of Hamilton, Madison, and Jay, i.e., Plubius.

[Mike]

I have been wanting to read this for quite some time. I finally decided to read it during the USA’s 250th celebrations. I found these papers to be very informative and insightful. I believe every US citizen should read them. They are timeless and provide insights into our constitution.

[Carlos]

Okay

I mean, I tried to read the whole thing, but I guess I didn’t found it interesting. I kept dazing off every-time I read the book.

[Cynthia L. Riser]

A must read

[La-Shanda]

Helpful tool if you want a breakdown of the federalists papers and context to clarify some of difficult topics.

[Kappy]

reading for a book group. the sections I read were illuminating