TOCQUEVILLE, Alexis de.

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De la démocratie en Amérique. First editions of "one of the most significant works ever written on American political and civil life" (Books that Made Europe), one of the most influential texts in political literature.Tocqueville's study is based on his extensive travels through the United States in 1831. Tocqueville analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of American democracy, explores how the nation's political and social life is shaped by the forces of equality and individualism, and warns of the risks of "tyranny of the majority" and the erosion of civic engagement.Volumes I and II were published together on 21 January 1835 in an edition of only 500 copies. The work was soon widely praised and underwent seven editions by the time that volumes III and IV were published together in an edition of 2,500 copies on 24 April 1840. Consequently, sets are usually composed of a mixture of editions, and it is rare to find a full first edition set.

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