The authority of Publius takes a fresh look at ehe Federalist papers (1787-88) and shows how their formrelates to their purpose and subsequent impact. Albert Furtwangler challenges the usual view that these periodical essays, written by James Madison and Alexander Hamilton, are an authoritative summary of the Founding Fathers' constitutional philosophy, and his reading offers new insights into their enduring value. Furtwangler begins by questioning previous readings of the Federalist papers that ignore their origin as pseudonymous newspaper columns.He traces the development of the essays and explains how the composite figure of Publius gave a special character and coherence to their arguments. In a later chapter, he makes a case for the qualities he finds most noteworthy in the series as a whole, and he accesses the Federalist's place in early American politics, eighteenth century journalism, and the ratification debates as well as in modern interpretations of constitutional government. In recogizing the literary strategies that shape the arguments of the Federalist, he says, we gain a truer understanding of its significance and authority. Elegantly written, lively, and provacative, this broadly interdisciplinary study should radically alter readers' approaches to an American classic.