|
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.
Translated by Henry Reeve and with
an Introduction by Joseph Epstein
|