Alexis de Tocqueville

Alexis de Tocqueville
Author: Hugh Brogan
Publisher: Yale University Press
Total Pages: 756
Release: 2007-01-01
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 9780300108033

A comprehensive portrait of the great French political thinker explores his life, work, travels in the United States, and writing of "Democracy in America."

Alexis de Tocqueville: Democracy in America (LOA #147)

Alexis de Tocqueville: Democracy in America (LOA #147)
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
Publisher: Library of America
Total Pages: 960
Release: 2004-02-09
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 1598531816

An exclusive new translation of the most perceptive and influential book ever written about American politics and society—“the bible on democracy” (The Texas Observer) Alexis de Tocqueville, a young aristocratic French lawyer, came to the United States in 1831 to study its penitentiary systems. His nine-month visit and subsequent reading and reflection resulted in this landmark masterpiece of political observation and analysis. In Democracy in America, Tocqueville vividly describes the unprecedented social equality he found in America and explores its implications for European society in the emerging modern era. His book provides enduring insight into the political consequences of widespread property ownership, the potential dangers to liberty inherent in majority rule, the vital role of religion in American life, and the importance of civil institutions in an individualistic culture dominated by the pursuit of material self-interest. He also probes the deep differences between the free and slave states, writing prophetically of racism, bigotry, and prejudice in the United States. Brought to life by Arthur Goldhammer’s clear, fluid, and vigorous translation, this volume of Democracy in America is the first to fully capture Tocqueville’s achievements both as an accomplished literary stylist and as a profound political thinker.

The Man Who Understood Democracy

The Man Who Understood Democracy
Author: Olivier Zunz
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 472
Release: 2022-05-03
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0691235457

A definitive biography of the French aristocrat who became one of democracy’s greatest champions In 1831, at the age of twenty-five, Alexis de Tocqueville made his fateful journey to America, where he observed the thrilling reality of a functioning democracy. From that moment onward, the French aristocrat would dedicate his life as a writer and politician to ending despotism in his country and bringing it into a new age. In this authoritative and groundbreaking biography, leading Tocqueville expert Olivier Zunz tells the story of a radical thinker who, uniquely charged by the events of his time, both in America and France, used the world as a laboratory for his political ideas. Placing Tocqueville’s dedication to achieving a new kind of democracy at the center of his life and work, Zunz traces Tocqueville’s evolution into a passionate student and practitioner of liberal politics across a trove of correspondence with intellectuals, politicians, constituents, family members, and friends. While taking seriously Tocqueville’s attempts to apply the lessons of Democracy in America to French politics, Zunz shows that the United States, and not only France, remained central to Tocqueville’s thought and actions throughout his life. In his final years, with France gripped by an authoritarian regime and America divided by slavery, Tocqueville feared that the democratic experiment might be failing. Yet his passion for democracy never weakened. Giving equal attention to the French and American sources of Tocqueville’s unique blend of political philosophy and political action, The Man Who Understood Democracy offers the richest, most nuanced portrait yet of a man who, born between the worlds of aristocracy and democracy, fought tirelessly for the only system that he believed could provide both liberty and equality.

Democracy in America Volume—1

Democracy in America Volume—1
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
Publisher: Namaskar Books
Total Pages: 762
Release: 2024-10-21
Genre: Political Science
ISBN:

Embark on an intellectual journey with Alexis de Tocqueville's insightful exploration, "Democracy in America, Volume 1." Uncover the intricacies of American society as Tocqueville examines the principles and practices that define democracy in the early 19th century. As Tocqueville's analysis unfolds, he reveals the profound effects of democracy on American life. But here’s the question that lingers: Can the strengths of American democracy coexist with its inherent challenges? Delve into Tocqueville's observations on individualism, social equality, and the balance of freedom and order. He scrutinizes how these elements shape the character of American citizens, offering a timeless reflection on the nature of democracy itself. How do these early insights resonate with the modern American experience? This edition provides a rich context for understanding Tocqueville's revolutionary ideas. His profound insights continue to challenge our perceptions of democracy, making this a crucial read for anyone interested in political philosophy and social theory. Are you prepared to confront the dilemmas and aspirations of a democratic society through the eyes of a keen observer in "Democracy in America, Volume 1"? Experience concise, engaging passages that illuminate the essence of American democracy. Tocqueville's sharp intellect invites readers to critically assess the ideals and realities of democratic governance. This is your opportunity to grasp the foundational ideas that continue to shape discussions on democracy today. Will you take the first step toward understanding the complexities of freedom and equality? Seize the moment to explore this essential work. Purchase "Democracy in America, Volume 1" now, and immerse yourself in Tocqueville's timeless analysis of democracy that remains relevant in our contemporary world.

Alexis de Tocqueville on Democracy, Revolution, and Society

Alexis de Tocqueville on Democracy, Revolution, and Society
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 402
Release: 1980
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0226805271

Alexis de Tocqueville possessed one of the most fertile sociological imaginations of the nineteenth century. For more than 120 years, his uncanny predictive insight has continued to fascinate thinkers, and his writings have continued to influence our interpretations of history and society. His analyses of many issues remain relevant to current social and political problems. In this volume John Stone and Stephen Mennell bring together for the first time selections from the full range of Tocqueville's writings, selections that illustrate the depth of his insight and analysis.

Democracy in America

Democracy in America
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
Publisher: Macmillan Higher Education
Total Pages: 208
Release: 2008-08-08
Genre: History
ISBN: 1319242553

This new edition of Democracy in America makes Tocqueville’s classic nineteenth-century study of American politics, society, and culture available — finally! — in a brief and accessible version. Designed for instructors who are eager to teach the work but reluctant to assign all 700 plus pages, Kammen’s careful abridgment features the most well-known chapters that by scholarly consensus are most representative of Tocqueville’s thinking on a wide variety of issues. A comprehensive introduction provides historical and intellectual background, traces the author’s journey in America, helps students unpack the meaning behind key Tocquevillian concepts like "individualism," "equality," and "tyranny of the majority," and discusses the work’s reception and legacy. Newly translated, this edition offers instructors a convenient and affordable option for exploring this essential work with their students. Useful pedagogic features include a chronology, questions for consideration, a selected bibliography, illustrations, and an index.

Tocqueville

Tocqueville
Author: Andre Jardin
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 566
Release: 1989-11
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 0374521905

In the first full-scale biography of Tocqueville after his death. Andre Jardin condensed the vast array of information on this intriguing figure into an indispensable resource. Tocqueville: A Biography provides an insightful account that explores the complex factors that shaped Tocqueville's writing, opinions, political career, and personal life. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont in America

Alexis de Tocqueville and Gustave de Beaumont in America
Author: Alexis de Tocqueville
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2010
Genre: National characteristics, American
ISBN: 9780813930626

A selection of Tocqueville's writings on America together with letters and sketches from his traveling companion, Gustave de Beaumont.

The Art of Being Free

The Art of Being Free
Author: James Poulos
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 303
Release: 2017-01-17
Genre: Philosophy
ISBN: 1250077184

"Most folks probably don't learn about Alexis de Tocqueville in school anymore, but his seminal work, Democracy in America, is still surprisingly resonant. When he came to America in 1831 to study our great political experiment, he reported that the main issues were: religion, money, sex, death, love, gender inequality, work and politics. Clearly, we haven't come as far as one might hope. But it wasn't all doom and gloom. De Tocqueville not only cataloged our problems; he also provided a manual on how to solve them. In The Art of Being Free, journalist and scholar James Poulos parses de Tocqueville's advice for a modern audience, showing us how to live a sane, healthy, and happy life, regardless of the hectic world around us. Poulos dives into the original, beloved text to see what Tocqueville would say about our relationship to technology; our methods for coping with stress; our obsession with appearances; our workaholism; and our physical indolence. He explores how our uniquely American malaise might be alleviated, not by the next wellness or self-help craze, but by the kind of inner inventory-taking that has fallen out of fashion. Like Sarah Bakewell's How to Live or Alain de Botton's How Proust Can Change Your Life, The Art of Being Free offers a vital new twist on a collection of timeless wisdom--for Americans of all ages."--