La figura de Alexis de Tocqueville resurge durante el siglo XX en forma excepcional porque obras como La democracia en América o El Antiguo Régimen y La Revolución se revelan fundamentales para reflexionar en torno a la sociedad democrática, y arrojan luz sobre la crisis del Estado de beneficiencia y la experiencia totalitaria.
Superb biography of Alexis-Charles-Henri Clérel de Tocqueville. Monsieur Jardin was the editor of the Tocqueville papers, and clearly knew his subject very, very well. I not only enjoyed it thoroughly, but learned a great deal. I would also recommend that any Americans interested in de Tocqueville read Peter Carey's wonderful historical novel, Parrot and Olivier in America.
It may be asking too much, but I recommend reading a Tocqueville biography before reading Democracy in America.
As a Frenchman, how was Tocqueville able to provide so much insight into America's culture and political system? The biography will help you understand that.
Andre Jardin's biography of Tocqueville is a very solid effort. In addition to thoroughly reviewing the development of Tocqueville's ideas, Jardin also covers his frequently unhappy personal life and erratic political career. This volume provides a great deal of insight in the ideas and life of one the greatest political theorists to every write on the very unique liberal democratic society of the United States.