Alexis de Tocqueville Books

The classic commentary on the influence of democracy on the intellect, feelings, and actions of Americans

Presents Tocqueville's study of the French Revolution in the context of the country's history, critiquing the call to liberty by the French people in 1789 and raising concerns that, while the revolutionary spirit had prevailed, the post-Revolutionary state had retained the tyranny it tried to overthrow

In 1831, Alexis de Tocqueville, a young French aristocrat and civil servant, embarked on a 9-month journey across America, covering 7,000 miles. His observations culminated in a profound analysis of 19th-century American life and institutions. Tocqueville viewed the flourishing democratic system in America as a potential model for post-revolutionary France, believing its egalitarian ideals embodied the spirit of the age and even divine will. His exploration of the strengths and weaknesses of this evolving democracy has been referenced by every American president since Eisenhower, making it essential for discussions about the American nation and its democratic framework. This new edition includes all of Tocqueville's writings on America, featuring the rarely-translated Two Weeks in the Wilderness, which recounts his travels in Michigan among the Iroquois, and Excursion to Lake Oneida. For over seventy years, Penguin has been a leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world, offering more than 1,700 titles that represent a global bookshelf of significant works across genres and disciplines. Readers rely on the series for authoritative texts, enhanced by introductions and notes from distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as modern translations by award-winning translators.

From America's call for a free press to its embrace of the capitalist system, Democracy in America--first published in 1835--enlightens, entertains, and endures as a brilliant study of our national government and character. Philosopher John Stuart Mill called it "among the most remarkable productions of our time." Woodrow Wilson wrote that de Tocqueville's ability to illuminate the actual workings of American democracy was "possibly without rival." For today's readers, de Tocqueville's concern about the effect of majority rule on the rights of individuals remains deeply meaningful. His shrewd observations about the "almost royal prerogatives" of the president and the need for virtue in elected officials are particularly prophetic. His profound insights into the great rewards and responsibilities of democratic government are words every American needs to read, contemplate, and remember. From America's call for a free press to its embrace of the capitalist system Democracy in America enlightens, entertains, and endures as a brilliant study of our national government and character. De Toqueville's concern about the effect of majority rule on the rights of individuals remains deeply meaningful. His insights into the great rewards and responsibilities of democratic government are words every American needs to read, contemplate, and remember.

Dans ce choix de lettres (1814-1859) de Tocqueville, on trouve le recueil de ses expériences aussi bien publiques qu'intimes. Pour Tocqueville, qui était très conscient de l'importance littéraire de ses lettres, une lettre, c'est un essai. À la manière de Montaigne, mais rédigé à bâtons rompus, avec des lacunes et des redites qui donnent au volume le charme d'un miroir brisé.Avec chaque correspondant, Tocqueville met à l'épreuve ses idées et son style sans esprit de système. Il se montre ici toujours en apprentissage dans la simplicité de sa nature. On le suit durant cinquante ans, depuis les tracés hésitants de l'enfant jusqu'à l'ultime adieu du mourant ; tantôt solitaire dans les forêts américaines, tantôt ministre assis à la table des puissants, ou notable normand soucieux de fourrage et de haies. Paradoxe : ce miroir brisé fait admirablement ressortir la cohérence entre l'oeuvre et la vie.

Voyageant en Irlande avec son ami et complice Gustave de Beaumont, Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-1859) enquête sur la réalité sociale d'un pays en proie à des luttes qui relèvent de clivages religieux entre les protestants, fidèles à l'Angleterre, et les catholiques, qui veulent voir leurs droits élémentaires reconnus. C'est l'occasion pour lui de poursuivre son oeuvre d'analyste scrupuleux des sociétés contemporaines en pleine mutation. La modernité de son propos est saisissante !