Alexis de Tocqueville on Democracy, Revolution, and Society

by Alexis de Tocqueville

1980 · University of Chicago Press

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.

The Recollections of Alexis de Tocqueville

by Alexis de Tocqueville

2023 · Good Press

Alexis de Tocqueville's 'The Recollections of Alexis de Tocqueville' is a compelling account of the author's experiences and observations of society and politics during his travels in America. Known for its profound insight into American democracy, the book explores themes of individualism, equality, and the potential tyranny of majority rule. Tocqueville's analytical and thought-provoking narrative style offers readers a unique perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of the American system of government, making it a timeless and influential work in the field of political philosophy. The author's astute observations on the social dynamics of the United States provide readers with a rich tapestry of insights that continue to resonate in contemporary political discourse. Tocqueville's thorough understanding of American society and democratic principles shines through in this classic work, making it essential reading for individuals interested in political theory and the foundations of democracy.

Democracy in America

by Alexis de Tocqueville

2008 · Macmillan Higher Education

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.

Recollections

by Alexis de Tocqueville

2017 · Routledge

Tocqueville was not only an active participant in the French Revolution of 1848, he was also a deeply perceptive observer with a detached attitude of mind. He saw the pitfalls of the course his country was taking more clearly than any of his contemporaries, including Karl Marx. Recollections was first written for self-clarification. It is both an exciting, candid, behind-the-scenes account of what actually happened during those tumultuous months and a remarkably shrewd analysis that has become an accurate forecast of future societies wrestling with the dilemma of synthesizing equality and freedom. Thus the book has a relevance that extends beyond France, to our own country and others, a relevance that is explored in J.P. Mayer's new introduction.Out of print in English for several years, Recollections is presented here in a translation based on the definitive French edition of 1964. It captures the wit and subtlety of mind that have made this book one of the most popular of all Tocqueville's works. Tocqueville's own comments, which he wrote into the manuscript, including his variants, are given, and the editors have added explanatory notes.