Democracy in America

by Alexis de Tocqueville
Democracy in America cover
Good Books rating 4.33
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  • ID: 1432
  • Added: 2025-10-05
  • Updated: 2025-10-19
  • ISBN: 9780486820644
  • Publisher: Courier Dover Publications
  • Published: 2017-03-01
  • Formats: 21
  • Reviews: 3

Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America' is a seminal work that provides a detailed and insightful analysis of the United States in the early 19th century. Written by a French political scientist, this book offers a unique perspective on American democracy, society, and culture, making it a landmark in political science and history. Published in two volumes, the first in 1835 and the second in 1840, the book is renowned for its perceptive observations and influential commentary on American politics and society. Tocqueville's work remains relevant and continues to be studied for its deep understanding of democratic principles and their application in the United States.

Reviews
Lotz in Translation · 2016-01-06
nuanced 4.00

Tocqueville's ambivalence about American democracy is noted, with admiration for the hardworking and self-reliant nature of the people. The book is praised for its detailed and nuanced observations.

The reviewer points out Tocqueville's ambivalent stance on American democracy, noting his admiration for the hardworking and self-reliant nature of the American people. They appreciate the detailed and nuanced observations that Tocqueville provides, which offer a comprehensive understanding of the societal dynamics. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those interested in the intricacies of democracy and its impact on society.

Quick quotes

    Tocqueville is famously ambivalent about American democracy.

    He often sounds greatly impressed at what he finds, noting how hardworking and self ...

    The book is praised for its detailed and nuanced observations.

Historic America · 2014-11-06
insightful 4.50

The most insightful part of the book is its philosophical discussion on despotism, which remains highly relevant. The analysis offers a profound understanding of American democracy and its potential pitfalls.

The reviewer highlights the philosophical depth of the book, particularly the discussion on despotism, which they find prescient and thought-provoking. They appreciate how Tocqueville's observations provide a timeless analysis of American democracy, offering insights that are still relevant today. The book is seen as a masterful exploration of the complexities and potential dangers of democratic systems, making it a must-read for understanding political and social dynamics.

Quick quotes

    The best (and most prescient) segment of the book came towards the end, when De Tocqueville waxes philosophic and discusses how despotism might ...

    De Tocqueville's observations provide a timeless analysis of American democracy

    The book is seen as a masterful exploration of the complexities and potential dangers of democratic systems

The Guardian · Nicholas Lezard · 2004-04-03
timeless 4.50

The book is found to be as relevant and accurate today as it was 150 years ago. It is praised for its timeless insights into American democracy.

Nicholas Lezard finds that Tocqueville's Democracy in America remains as relevant and accurate today as it was 150 years ago. He emphasizes the timeless insights the book offers into American democracy, making it a valuable read for understanding the enduring aspects of the political and social landscape. Lezard's review highlights the book's continued relevance and its ability to provide a deep understanding of democratic principles and their application.

Quick quotes

    Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America is as relevant and accurate today as it was 150 years ago.

    The book is praised for its timeless insights into American democracy.

    It is a valuable read for understanding the enduring aspects of the political and social landscape.

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