The Life of John Jay

The Life of John Jay: With Selections of His Correspondence and Miscellaneous Papers by William Jay is an in-depth biography of one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, authored by his …

The Life of John Jay: With Selections of His Correspondence and Miscellaneous Papers by William Jay is an in-depth biography of one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, authored by his own son. Drawing extensively from personal correspondence, public documents, and private reflections, William Jay offers a richly detailed account of his father’s life, character, and contributions to the early United States. The book traces John Jay’s prominent roles—as a diplomat during the American Revolution, co-author of The Federalist Papers, negotiator of the Jay Treaty with Great Britain, and the first Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. It also delves into his deep Christian faith, strong moral convictions, and advocacy for the gradual abolition of slavery in New York. This biography serves not only as a historical record but also as a tribute to a man whose influence helped shape the nation’s legal and political foundations.