In 'Democracy in America: Abridged Edition,' Alexis de Tocqueville explores the unique characteristics of American society and its democratic institutions. His insightful observations reveal the balance between liberty and equality, highlighting the strengths and vulnerabilities of democracy. Tocqueville's reflections on individualism and the influence of mass society provoke profound questions about the future of democratic governance. With timeless relevance, this classic work invites readers to ponder the moral and political implications of democratic life. Dive into Tocqueville's fascinating analysis and discover how it shapes our understanding of democracy today.
By Alexis de Tocqueville
Published: 2007
"The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens."
The abridged edition of the enduring masterwork—a classic portrait of America's culture and people Originally penned in the mid-nineteenth century by Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America remains the most comprehensive, penetrating, and astute picture of American life, politics, and morals ever written, as relevant today as when it first appeared in print nearly two hundred years ago. This abridged edition by scholar and historian Scott A. Sandage includes a new introduction and editorial notes, and offers students and the general reader alike easy access to the preeminent translation by George Lawrence, widely recognized as the best translation based on the second revised and corrected text of the 1961 French edition, edited by J. P. Mayer.
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“The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.”
Democracy in America
By Alexis de Tocqueville
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Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) was a French political thinker, historian, and author, best known for his seminal work, 'Democracy in America,' published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840. His writings analyze the effects of democracy on American society and politics, offering insights into the nature of equality and the potential dangers of majority rule. Tocqueville's writing style is characterized by its clarity and analytical depth, combining rigorous observation with philosophical inquiry. In addition to his influential work on American democracy, he also authored 'The Old Regime and the Revolution,' which examines the social and political context of the French Revolution. Tocqueville's contributions have made him a key figure in the fields of political science and sociology.
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