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Democracy in America

by Alexis de Tocqueville

Catalogued August 31, 2026

The Work

First published
1835–1840

Drew's Copy

Edition
Abridged Washington Square Press edition
Printing
First printing, May 1964
Publisher
Washington Square Press
Published in
New York
Copy published
1964
Binding
Mass-market paperback
Collection status
On the shelves
Reading status
In Progress
Condition
Inherited family copy with substantial cover rubbing and soiling, edge wear, creasing, and age-toned pages
DemocracyAmerican PoliticsAmerican SocietyPolitical PhilosophyUnited States HistoryNineteenth CenturyClassics

Acquisition & Provenance

Acquisition type
Inherited family book
Context
From Drew's grandad's library
Previous owner
Drew's grandad
Provenance
This copy previously belonged to Drew’s grandad.

How This Copy Came to the Library

From Grandad’s library.

Place in My Physical Library

An inherited classic of political thought and a book Drew intends to revisit over the years.

About This Copy

This is the first Washington Square Press printing, issued in May 1964. Andrew Hacker abridged and edited the book and supplied the introduction. The text uses Henry Reeve’s translation as revised by Francis Bowen. The cover bears publisher number W-602 and a price of 60¢.

Memories & Connections

From Grandad’s library. I have dabbled in this book and I know its historical importance. This is absolutely a book I will be going back to over the years.

In this abridged edition, Alexis de Tocqueville examines American political institutions, social conditions, religion, education, race relations, and the national character he encountered during his 1831 journey through the United States.

Drew's Copy
Front cover of Drew's copy of Democracy in America
The front cover of Drew's inherited Washington Square Press copy of Democracy in America.
Back cover of Drew's copy of Democracy in America
The back cover describes Tocqueville's study of American politics, society, institutions, and national character.
Title page of Drew's copy of Democracy in America
The title page identifies Andrew Hacker's abridgment and introduction, Henry Reeve's translation, and Francis Bowen's revision.
Copyright page of Drew's copy of Democracy in America
The copyright page identifies this copy as the first Washington Square Press printing, issued in May 1964.
Author biography of Drew's copy of Democracy in America
The publisher's biographical notes on Alexis de Tocqueville and editor Andrew Hacker.