Democracy in America

This Norton Critical Edition presents Tocqueville's classic text in the Henry Reeve translation. It is accompanied by detailed explanatory annotations and an introduction addressing "Democracy in America"'s canonic and iconic place in American life. "Backgrounds" includes seven letters offering Tocqueville's impressions of his nine-and-a-half month journey through the United States. Nine contemporary reviews, both American and European, trace "Democracy in America"'s varied initial reception. Thirteen "Interpretations" gauge Tocqueville's influence on American political thought and on democracy's legacy. Contributors include David Riesman, Max Lerner, Robert Nisbet, James T. Schleifer, Catherine Zuckert, Sheldon S. Wolin, Edward C. Banfield, Daniel T. Rodgers, Arthur Schlesinger Jr., Sean Wilentz, Henry Steele Commager, James T. Kloppenberg, and Tamara M. Teale. About the Series: No other series of classic texts equals the caliber of the Norton Critical Editions. Each volume combines the most authoritative text available with the comprehensive pedagogical apparatus necessary to appreciate the work fully. Careful editing, first-rate translation, and thorough explanatory annotations allow each text to meet the highest literary standards while remaining accessible to students. Each edition is printed on acid-free paper and every text in the series remains in print. Norton Critical Editions are the choice for excellence in scholarship for students at more than 2,000 universities worldwide.