Tocqueville, Alexis de

De la Démocratie en Amérique. Paris: Bourgogne and Martinet for Charles Gosselin, 1835–1840



2 parts in 4 volumes, 8vo (8 x 5 in.; 203 x 127 mm). Half-titles, handcolored folding map by Bernard after Tocqueville at end of vol. 1; some browning and occasional spotting in all vols. Contemporary blue quarter calf over marbled boards, spine gilt,  spine lettered gilt, red morocco chemises, slipcase; joints rubbed, bookplate removed from front pastedown in vol 2.

Sabin 96060 & 96061; see H. Brogan, Alexis de Tocqueville: A Life (2007), p. 110 on Berryer

De la Démocratie en Amérique. Paris: Bourgogne and Martinet for Charles Gosselin, 1835–1840 2 parts in 4 volumes, 8vo (8 x 5 in.; 203 x 127 mm). Half-titles, handcolored folding map by Bernard after Tocqueville at end of vol. 1; some browning and occasional spotting in all vols. Contemporary blue quarter calf over marbled boards, spine gilt, spine lettered gilt, red morocco chemises, slipcase; joints rubbed, bookplate removed from front pastedown in vol 2.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition of the first part, second edition of the second, inscribed by the author "à Monsieur [Antoine-Pierre] Berryer hommage de l'auteur, A.d.T". Berryer and Tocqueville were both members of the Chamber of Deputies and formed part of the circle of monarchists who resisted the revolution of 1848 (Brogan).

Charged by the French government to study the prison system of the United States, Alexis de Tocqueville traveled through America with Gustave Auguste de Beaumont in 1831 and 1832. Tocqueville's observations on the political and social customs of the United States have never been surpassed.

The first part, in two volumes, was published in 1835, the second part appeared in 1840. Here the second part has the collation of the first edition given in Sabin and is marked "Tome Troisième [-Quatrième] Deuxième Édition" on the title.

Presentation copies are extremely rare. Bound at the end of vol. 2 in the present copy is "Rapport fait au nom de la Commission chargée d'examiner la Proposition de M. de Tracy, relative aux Esclaves des colonies, par M.A. de Tocqueville, Député de la Manche" in no. 201 of the minutes of Chambre des Députés, 2e Session, 1839.