Fine Books & Manuscripts

TOCQUEVILLE, Alexis de (1805–1859). De la Democratie en Amerique. Paris: Bourgogne and Martinet for Charles Gosselin, 1835-1840. 2 parts in 4 volumes, 8vo (209 x 127 mm). Half–titles, engraved folding map with hand-coloring at end of Volume I (some overall browning as usual, light foxing to titles, some spotting, slight printer's error Vol. II, p. 423.) Contemporary French calf–backed boards, green vellum corners, marbled edges, smooth spines gilt with brown and green morocco lettering–pieces gilt (some light rubbing to joints, a few hinges starting). FIRST EDITION of part I, second edition of part II. De Tocqueville's inquiry into the nature and institutions of American society was written and published in two parts. The first, comprising volumes I and II, was published in Paris in 1835. It was immediately popular, and two additional Paris editions and a Brussels edition appeared in the same year. The second part appeared in 1840. The first American edition was published in 1838 and 1840. de Tocqueville was the first to wrestle with the “new” society, and the first to address the connection between the extraordinary size and natural wealth of America. While he believed in the liberal commonplaces of his time, he was distrustful of a society based on individualism, and he deplored a politics dominated by self-interest. Howes T–278, T–279; Sabin 96060, 96061.