As the twentieth century closes, this book looks at one important strand of political thought - federalism - which at one time seemed utopian but which has now found its expression in the European Union. The Federal Trust has brought together the seminal writings of three eminent European federalists: William Beveridge, Lionel Robins and Altiero Spinelli. Bold and far-sighted in their time, the philosophy and proposals of theses men still resonate with those who are committed today to democratic European unification. John Pinder, a prominent post-war federalist, introduces each of the authors and describes their connections. His introduction establishes the historical context clearly and accurately. Pinder writes: It is to be hoped that this book on the British and italian origin of post-war federal is thinking, and on some examples of the way in which federal principles have been applied in the development of the European Community and Union, will contribute to a better understanding of these principles and of ways in which they can inform the Union's future. This book, which republishes the historic writings often for the first time, will be a rich and useful source for students and practitioners of the process of European unification.