Abstract The reaction e+e− → τ+τ− has been measured using the high resolution spectrometer at PEP. The angular distribution shows a forward-backward asymmetry of −(6.1±2.3±0.5)%, corresponding to an axial-vector coupling if gaτgae = 0.28 ±0.11± 0.03, in good agreement with the standard model of electroweak interactions. The measured cross section yields ifRττ = 1.10± 0.03±0.04, consistent with QED and giving QED cutoff parameters of Λ+>92 GeV and Λ−>246 GeV at 95% C.L.