When you read the "Federalist Papers", pay close attention to the prose style. Hamilton comes across as a brilliant highly paid corporate lawyer -- which he had become by that time -- and dazzles you with his intellect. Madison comes across as the earnest student of history he was, one who had ready everything written by the ancients. (I'd ask Hamilton over to entertain a dinner party full of brilliant people, but if I wanted a friend over for a beer, I'd pick Madison.)
Jay comes across as the comic of the group with a puckish sense of humor. He likes to needle his opponents, not dazzle them or convince them with historic analogies. It's easy to spot a Jay essay.
I’ve read the Anti-Federalist papers about ten years ago and enjoyed them. They did have their points.
Jay sounds like he was a good attorney who ran a light courtroom in life and press. I imagine that when your life involves deep study it’s hard to stop thinking of it (When I studied chess I avoided Italian restaurants because of their checkered tablecloths - if the olive oil bottle were a knight it could take the pepper mill).
My plan is to keep Monday’s threads focused on one founder, then Thursday/Friday’s on a good mix of quotes. Working on Jay was from a point of curiosity; I knew little about the man and now know a little more.
I’ve noted the more personal style of Madison, he’s easier to read than Hamilton. Sometimes I find myself putting my hands over my ears and reading the sentences out loud so I fully understand them. Hey, if singers do the same in the studio.... Anyway, I gather that Madison could appear today for a chat at the pub he would like a draw of Sam Adams.... ;)
I may miss one of these threads because my Aunt is 99 and hospitalized....she’s not doing well. Since my father has dimensia I’m the next in line for the legal stuff.