Book Description
In the mid-1800s, a French political scientist named Alexis de Tocqueville came to the United States to appraise the meaning and functioning of democracy. This extraordinary book, written as a result of his visit, contains his comments and criticisms-many of which are still vital in today's world-and is a must-read for anyone interested in American politics.


Language Notes
Text: English, French (translation)

ANNOTATION

Out of Alexis de Toqueville's travels through the U.S. in the 1830's came an insightful study of a young democracy and its institutions.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Over one hundred and fifty years ago, Alexis de Tocqueville, a young French nobleman and an astute political scientist, came to the United States to evaluate the meaning and actual functioning of democracy. Democracy in America is the classic treatise on the American way of life that he wrote as a result of his visit.

Tocqueville discusses the advantages and dangers of the majority rule -- which he thought could be as tyrannical as the rule of the aristocracy. He analyzes the influence of political parties and the press on the government and the effect of democracy on the social, political, and economic life of the American people. He also offers some startling predictions about world politics, which history has borne out. So brilliant and penetrating are his comments and criticisms, they have vital meaning today for all who are interested in democracy.

SYNOPSIS

Still the most penetrating and astute picture of American life, politics, and morals ever written, Tocqueville's complete, two-volume masterwork is as relevant today as in the mid-nineteenth century.

FROM THE CRITICS

Booknews

Political philosophers Mansfield (government, Harvard U.) and Winthrop (constitutional government, Harvard U.) present a new translationonly the third since the original two-volume work was published in 1835 and 1840aiming to restore the nuances of Tocqueville's language. Tocqueville himself was not satisfied with the 19th-century translation; the other, prepared in the late 1960s (Harper & Row), is cited in This translation is based on a recent critical French edition (Editions Gallimard, 1992). Mansfield and Winthrop provide a substantial introduction placing the work and its author in historical and philosophical context, as well as annotations elucidating references that are no longer familiar to readers. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Caleb Crain - New York Times Book Review