The Federalist Papers were written under the pseudonym “Publius” in honour of Publius Valerius Publicola, a Roman statesman associated with the founding of the Roman Republic (c. 509–27 BCE). The pseudonym allowed the real authors – Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay – to focus attention on their arguments rather than their identities at a time of charged political debate. Writing as Publius signalled a conviction in republican ideals while also allowing the trio to emphasize the universal principles of their shared vision.
For similar reasons, The Loyalist Papers are written under the pseudonym “Gloriana.” The name draws inspiration from Queen Elizabeth I, whose reign (1558–1603) is synonymous with a period of cultural flourishing, resilience, and statecraft within the British tradition. Much like Publius, Our focus is on ideas rather than personality or partisan affiliation. The invocation of the Crown reflects Our project’s distinctly Canadian perspective, rooted in Loyalist ideals and a vision of good government that contrasts with America’s revolutionary founding.
Image credit: Queen Elizabeth I’s coronation portrait, painted c. 1600.