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Tocqueville

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Alexis de Tocqueville, a French aristocrat renowned for his profound insights into democracy and equality, profoundly influenced political theory and sociology. This accessible introduction by James T. Schleifer guides readers through Tocqueville's major works, including Democracy in America and The Old Regime and the Revolution, alongside his papers and correspondence. The book explores key themes such as equality, democracy, liberty, and revolution, unpacking both the positive and negative consequences of democracy and illuminating Tocqueville's economic ideas and social reform proposals. Schleifer also highlights the development and complexity of Tocqueville's thought, affirming his enduring legacy.
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Ideal for scholars, students, and general readers interested in political thought, American politics, sociology, and the history of democracy.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Alexis de Tocqueville, a French aristocrat paradoxically famous for his insights into democracy and equality, is one of history’s greatest analysts of American society and politics. His contributions to political theory and sociology are of enduring significance.

This book, from one of the world’s leading experts, is a clearly written and accessible introduction to Tocqueville’s social and political theories. Schleifer guides readers through his two major works, Democracy in America (1835/40) and The Old Regime and the Revolution (1856), as well as his working papers, correspondence, and other writings. Schleifer examines Tocqueville’s essential themes and explores the various meanings of his key terms, including equality, democracy, liberty, and revolution. He combines a skillful exposition of Tocqueville’s analysis of the beneficial and harmful consequences of democracy with a crystal clear discussion of his often overlooked economic ideas and social reform proposals.

Schleifer traces both the overall unity and the significant changes in Tocqueville’s ideas, demonstrating the complexity and subtlety of his thought and the importance of his legacy. It will be essential reading for all scholars, students, and general readers interested in the history of political thought, political theory, American politics, and sociology.

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  • Tocqueville
    Alexis de Tocqueville, a French aristocrat paradoxically famous for his insights into democracy and equality, is one of history’s greatest analysts of American society and politics. His contributions to political theory and sociology are of enduring significance. This book, from one of the world’s leading experts, is a clearly written and accessible introduction to Tocqueville’s social and political theories. Schleifer...
    Paperback
    $4299
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Michael Drolet, Worcester College, Oxford: "This comprehensive and sensitive introduction will be hard to outclass. Schleifer's clear and elegant prose reveals the lasting relevance of Tocqueville's reflections on democracy, especially in these troubled times."

Aurelian Craiutu, Indiana University, Bloomington: "Schleifer sheds fresh light on Tocqueville's enduring ideas and their significance globally, placing them in dialogue with thinkers like Weber, Hayek, and Piketty to show his indispensability in the postmodern age."

Kuangyu Zhao, Indiana University: "Meticulously and concisely written by a top expert, this book is rewarding for general readers and a valuable reference for specialists."

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781509518883

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 14 September 2018

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polity Press

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 150.0mm

Height: 226.0mm

Weight: 295g

Pages: 200

About the Author

James T. Schleifer is emeritus Dean of the Library and Professor of History at the College of New Rochelle

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