1900 2 Volumes Classic Democracy In America De Tocqueville Illustrated Gift Idea
$ 10.56
Description
1900 2 VOLUMES CLASSIC DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA DE TOCQUEVILLE ILLUSTRATED GIFT IDEA. Solid condition. Printed on very high quality paper. With portraits of Benjamin Franklin, Alexis de Tocqueville, and others, 8 prints overall. Individualism: He analyzed the rise of individualism and the "doctrine of self-interest rightly understood," where personal success is tied to the public good. OFFERED HERE is a deluxe 1900 two volume set, Democracy in America, by Alexis de Tocqueville, as published by the Colonial Press, New York. Each volume bound in bright red cloth with paper spine labels. 9x6 inches, some 800 pages. Solid condition. Printed on very high quality paper. With portraits of Benjamin Franklin, Alexis de Tocqueville, and others, 8 prints overall. Democracy in America is a seminal work by French aristocrat Alexis de Tocqueville, published in two volumes (1835 and 1840), analyzing the American political and social landscape after a visit in 1831. It explores the success of American democracy, focusing on equality, individualism, and the role of civil society, while prophetically warning of dangers like the "tyranny of the majority" and "soft despotism" arising from an over-reliance on government and materialism. The book remains a foundational text for understanding American identity, politics, and culture. Key Themes and Observations Equality of Conditions: Tocqueville was struck by the unprecedented social equality in America, noting its impact on politics, culture, and the pursuit of wealth. Individualism: He analyzed the rise of individualism and the "doctrine of self-interest rightly understood," where personal success is tied to the public good. Tyranny of the Majority: A central concern was the potential for the majority to oppress minority opinions and the importance of restraints on this power. Role of Civil Society: He emphasized the importance of local government, associations, and the press in a healthy democracy. Religion: Tocqueville noted the crucial role of religion in American life, partly because its separation from government allowed it to flourish. Prophetic Insights: He foresaw potential threats, including a drift toward a paternalistic "soft despotism" and the deep-seated racial tensions between North and South. Structure and Content Volume 1 (1835): Focused on political society, examining local government, the Constitution, political parties, and the press. Volume 2 (1840): Explored the influence of democracy on ideas, sentiments, customs, and the arts, including individualism and the American character.
