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Democracy in America and Two Essays on America (Penguin Classics)

Name: Democracy in America and Two Essays on America (Penguin Classics)
Brand: Penguin Classics
SKU: 128789
Availability: InStock

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Explore the profound insights of Alexis de Tocqueville in Democracy in America and Two Essays on America. This Penguin Classics edition offers a timeless analysis of American society, politics, and culture, essential for understanding democracy’s foundations and its enduring impact.

Category: Books

Tags: Alexis de Tocqueville, American politics, Classic Literature, democracy in America, essays on America, Penguin Classics, political philosophy

Brands: Penguin Classics

A contemporary study of the early American nation and its evolving democracy, from a French aristocrat and sociologist

In 1831 Alexis de Tocqueville, a young French aristocrat and ambitious civil servant, set out from post-revolutionary France on a journey across America that would take him 9 months and cover 7,000 miles. The result was Democracy in America, a subtle and prescient analysis of the life and institutions of 19th-century America. Tocqueville looked to the flourishing deomcratic system in America as a possible model for post-revolutionary France, believing that the egalitarian ideals it enshrined reflected the spirit of the age and even divine will. His study of the strengths and weaknesses of an evolving democratic society has been quoted by every American president since Eisenhower, and remains a key point of reference for any discussion of the American nation or the democratic system.

This new edition is the only one that contains all Tocqueville’s writings on America, including the rarely-translated Two Weeks in the Wilderness, an account of Tocqueville’s travels in Michigan among the Iroquois, and Excursion to Lake Oneida.

For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Democracy in America and Two Essays on America, part of the esteemed Penguin Classics series, offers readers an insightful exploration into the foundational principles and societal dynamics of America through the eyes of Alexis de Tocqueville. This thoughtfully curated edition presents not only Tocqueville’s seminal work, Democracy in America, but also two additional essays that deepen understanding of American culture, politics, and identity during a pivotal era. The text is distinguished by its rich analysis of democracy’s strengths and challenges, making it an essential read for anyone interested in political science, history, or sociology. This edition enhances the reading experience with a carefully crafted introduction and notes that provide valuable context, helping readers connect Tocqueville’s 19th-century observations to contemporary discussions about democracy and civil society. The accessible yet authoritative language allows both scholars and general readers to engage fully with the material, encouraging reflection on the enduring questions about freedom, equality, and governance. Ideal for students, academics, and thoughtful readers alike, this volume fits seamlessly into everyday life as a source of intellectual enrichment and inspiration. Whether used for study, research, or personal growth, it invites readers to consider the complexities of American democracy and its global influence. Owning this Penguin Classics edition means having a reliable and elegantly presented resource that stands the test of time, supporting a deeper appreciation of one of the most influential works in political thought.