Autumn 2020 Catalogue

11 American Heroes & Leaders Autumn 2020 “The Most Influential American Political Work” 8. HAMILTON, Alexander, MADISON, James and JAY, John. The Federalist, on the New Constitution, Written in 1788… With an Appendix Containing the Letters of Pacificus and Helvidus, on the Proclamation of Neutrality of 1793. Also, the Original Articles of Confederation, and the Constitution of the United States, with Amendments Made Thereto. A New Edition. The Numbers Written by Mr. Madison Corrected by Himself. Washington, 1818. Octavo, period-style half polished brown calf. $6000. Click for more info Seminal fifth edition of the Federalist Papers—“the most important work in political science that has ever been written”—this distinctive Gideon edition features Madison’s revisions and claims of authorship over Hamilton. Initially issued in 1788, “these 85 essays were designed as political propaganda, not as a treatise of political philosophy. In spite of this The Federalist survives as one of the new nation’s most important contributions to the theory of government” (PMM 234). “It is the most important work in political science that has ever been written” (Clinton Rossiter). This landmark Gideon edition, named for the publisher and authorized by Madison, is of particular importance in containing Gideon’s introduction, which cites Madison’s notes disputing Hamilton’s claim of authorship for various numbers. “Most scholars now agree that Madison, the more meticulous note-taker and record keeper, was correct on all counts” (Ball, Federalist ). This is the second single-volume edition (the fifth overall), with an added appendix not included in the 1817 fourth edition. Published the same year as Philadelphia edition (which was issued without the Gideon introduction): no priority established. Contemporary owner signature at top of title page. Interior very fresh with usual scattered foxing. A splendid near-fine copy, handsomely bound.