Democracy in America Audiobook

" Like many classics this is a long book. But, I found it accessible and interesting. I will definitely get a print copy for occasional reference. While it was long, it was very satisfying. There were interesting historical ruminations about the slavery and the possibility of civil war, and the American revolution that provide a unique historical perspective on American history. He also discusses American culture and character and why democracy works in America. What is often missed is that he also describes why democracy may not necessarily work in other countries or why democracy might look different in other countries. Some of the discussions of cultural and social attitudes make for interesting philosophic reflection. The book still feels contemporary in many respects and deserves to continue to be read and discussed. "

" Another wonderful political philosphy book. I have read parts of this over the years but I just decided to read the whole thing. "

" When my daughter was a high school senior she joined a competitive civics class (not kidding) and all the discussion of the nature and history of US government systems and principles turned my thoughts to this classic that I'd been meaning to get to for, a long time. So many of his observations about the character of US citizens just after the republic formed still holds today, its a time capsule and a fount of insight into our collective mindset, seen clearly by an outsider who had survived a governmental upheaval of a very different sort in his native France prior to his travels on this continent. A classic worthy of the label. "

" Long book with a lot to think about. This is not an easy read, but it is thought provoking. Yes, Tocqueville did not see everything, but who can? I found his comparisons of the US, where much decision making was local, and France, which was centralized, fascinating, given the continued debate over local v. state v. federal control on so many issues. "

" I only read Vol 1 of this book for class. What I read was quite profound and for Tocqueville only being in his mid 20s when he wrote this; it is quite impressive. "

" : a concise accounting of who we are, from the 1830's and perhaps very true today. Do this book every few months, particularly given the current climate...if we do not learn from history we may be doomed to repeat it... "

" Enlightening to see the American democracy from a French aristocrat's perspective after the revolution. "

" Alexis de Tocqueville looks at America from an outside perspective. He examines the greatness of our Founding Fathers, our Constitution or as de Tocquiville calls it "our matchless Constitution", and the source of America's greatness. To quote de Tocquiville, "America is great because America is good. If she ceases to be good, she will cease to be great." "

" I recommend this book to EVERY Patriot and student of American history, it gives insight to the first generation of Americans born under the Constitution by a foreign impartial observer. Really shows the results of "the Spirit of 1776." "

" Magnificent historically significant work. "

" Tough read...but absolutely necessary if you want to understand the founding principles of the United States. "

" This is a filling in of a book I read in the fall of 1989. It is a long volume, so to motivate myself to read this classic, I enrolled in a continuing studies great books program, so that there was a structured discussion to force a paced reading. This is a terrific book and of continuing relevance today. I think Tocqueville is much richer than the many uses to which it is put by pundits and it would be highly counterproductive to attempt a summarize. Reading this in conjunction with a biography of Tocqueville would also be worthwhile. Epstein has an excellkent short bio, and there are longer ones - that remain on my "to do" list. This is a book that one continually refers back to, similar to Thucycides. "

" Perceptive, thought-provoking discussion of democracy in general and America as a peculiar instance. I listened to this book while driving, but it really deserves a hard-copy read, highlighter in hand. "

" Magnificent historically significant work. "

" A political, historical and philosophical milestone. And never boring despite being a rather dry subject usually. "

" No one actually reads this book for fun, but it is awesome. If you want to understand American society, government and politics, you must read Democracy in America. "

" I have not read it in its entirety, however, all that i have read i have enjoyed and in general i like tocqueville's thinking. "

" A must-read for every American. Here you will learn the important phrase "tyranny of the majority." "

" Worth reading for historical value, wouldn't exactly call it light/entertaining. "

" I only read Vol 1 of this book for class. What I read was quite profound and for Tocqueville only being in his mid 20s when he wrote this; it is quite impressive. "

" SJCA Politics and Society "

" One of the all time greatest books on America, but filled with observations that are pertinent to societies everywhere. My words do not do this masterwork justice. Read the unabridged version. "

" Interesting to live during the time when de Tocqueville's predictions come to pass. "

" It explains so much regarding the little details of why America is the way it is today. It is my bible. "

" Lovely analysis of what happens to Americains as they embrace their new life. Old style writing, but well written. "

" You know you're an absolute nerd if you buy Tocqueville's "Democracy in America" with the rationalization of, "I deserve it!" "

" Not particularly a page-turner, but really amazing how insightful de Tocqueville was! I'm glad I read it. "

" Not done reading this but I love what I've read so far. "

" This book is so much more than a chronicle of the US during its origins. "

" Essential reading because it is essentially a source document. However, a slow task to finish. "

" The problem is that you hear all his best quotes and then think the book must have more. Not really. But I did it all the same and still need to talk more about it and formulate clearer understanding. "

" Tough read but very educational "

" this book's high repute baffles me. I must need to read it more closely. "

" i onli read dis book bcos the authours name was alexis it really wasnt that good well i didn't like it any way "

" Researched in comparison to Robert Frank's "The Americans" for my Photojournalism class. "

" This is a good book if you are interested in the historical process of democratic theory. It is interesting to see the first steps of this form of government and the thoughts of those living through that era. "

" One of the most boring books I ever read. I've just skipped around and read some random passages and also an essay at the back for the past 2 years. I literally read this when I want to be put to sleep, it's that bad. "

" A political, historical and philosophical milestone. And never boring despite being a rather dry subject usually. "

" I didn't read the whole thing- skipped around - but I enjoyed what I read. De Tocqueville was right about many many things. "

" I've always loved the commentary made on de Tocqueville in " Born ...." with Judy Holliday ... . "

" I loved this book. Tocqueville came to the US to study why our revolution led to freedom while the French revolution did not. His analysis of our government, leadership roles and more was peppered with insightful views. Altogether a very good read. "

" only a partly done. "

" "Democracy In America" is at once a fascinating travelogue and a brilliant work of political philosophy. If you wish to understand these United States and their system of governance, this is one of the books with which you absolutely must begin. "

" LA VISION D'UN NOBLE LIBERAL SUR LES INSTITUTIONS AMERICAINES, PARTICULIEREMENT DEMOCRATIQUES A L'EPOQUE, UN LIVRE REFERENCE A MEDITER DE PART LES EVOLUTIONS RECENTES DU DROIT DES LIBERTES FONDAMENTALES AUX ETATS-UNIS. "

" I didn't read the whole thing- skipped around - but I enjoyed what I read. De Tocqueville was right about many many things. "

" Tocqueville was a rather insightful man who identified key characteristics which essentially allowed America to flourish and prosper during his time. Students and politicians alike would be wise to take the time to read this work. "

" I'm just a few pages into this book and it's a slow go with all of my reading for classes, but so far a very interesting and great backdrop to the beginnings of our country. "

" This review of American from the eyes of a Frenchmen who is enamoured with Liberty can be a real revelation for modern American's who take our freedom and way of life for granted. "

" I've read parts of this book and am fascinated by it. Somehow I never finish it. "

" I've read parts of this book and am fascinated by it. Somehow I never finish it. "

" Pretty insightful, I'm enjoying the read. "

" Pretty insightful, I'm enjoying the read. "

" Interesting point about women. It surprised me how prophetic he was about the war.Some of his views seemed to be more a comparative stance. "

" Interesting point about women. It surprised me how prophetic he was about the war.Some of his views seemed to be more a comparative stance. "

" This book is incredible. French servants are sent to observe what they see in a growing America. This book describes the feel and beauty from the start of our country. "

" This book is incredible. French servants are sent to observe what they see in a growing America. This book describes the feel and beauty from the start of our country. "

" Read selections for Senior Traditio. Really enjoyed this; AdT drew interesting parallels between communism and democracy, which I would never have thought to do, but it makes sense. And here we are today. "

" Read selections for Senior Traditio. Really enjoyed this; AdT drew interesting parallels between communism and democracy, which I would never have thought to do, but it makes sense. And here we are today. "

" An amazing outside look at the Americas that is still relevant for today. "

" An amazing outside look at the Americas that is still relevant for today. "

" my paperback copy is a Mentor Book, published by The New America Library, c1956, Eighth printing "

" my paperback copy is a Mentor Book, published by The New America Library, c1956, Eighth printing "

" It is a long and difficult read, but worth it. Alexis de Tocqueville visited the US in 1831, and his views on our culture, institutions and government are very relevant today. It is an objective look at America before we were a world power. "

" It is a long and difficult read, but worth it. Alexis de Tocqueville visited the US in 1831, and his views on our culture, institutions and government are very relevant today. It is an objective look at America before we were a world power. "