Customer Reviews:
 The greatest book ever written about America April 9, 2007
Mr. Peter Coville (paris, france)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This is a truly outstanding work, which was written in the 1830s but still has much to teach us about democracy and about America. If those two subjects were better understood today the world would be a far pleasanter place to live! In the course of his enquiry Tocqueville examines history, legal and political systems, the economy, the arts, relationships between the races and much more, in what amounts to a general reflection on human institutions under democracy. Everyone should read this book, not only Americans or those interested in America, as the need for urgent reflection on the democratic project goes much wider. And in fact, one could say that the work itself is democratic in the sense that it is jargon-free and a pleasure to read, and thus accessible to (nearly) all. Of course, no one thinker sees everything, but this is a major contribution to understanding human societies, on the way to improving them.
The most worthwhile treatise on american democracy ever May 4, 2005
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Tocqueville is a genius. This has everything you would want to know in it, although it is surprising sparce as regards his own first hand experiences. You must start with this book if you are learning about America, France or democracy generally. It is fascinating to see how Tocqueville evolved his argument between this book and his "Ancien Regime and the French Revolution". A masterpiece, practically history in itself.
The best translation yet January 9, 2004
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
How amazing that this book is so up-to-date about America, its attitude to religion, foreign affairs, women, education, race relations, the presidency and government! Gerald Bevan's new translation covers the famous text together with the accounts of Tocqueville's two excursions in America. This translation reflects the fluency of the original French and is, in my opinion, by far the best version to chose for this century.
A classic text, enchantingly unravelled December 5, 2003
Daniel Simmons (Sydney, Australia)
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
Gerald Bevan's translation of this classic text, offers the grandeur of de Tocqueville such elegant simplicity that it restores vitality to an already vital text.Enough has been said in the other reviews listed here, to convince any reader of the merits of adding this book to their bedside table, with this edition finally they have the companion to illuminate the wisdom of the work with a the skill of a master craftsmen.
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