Synopses & Reviews
Commager on Tocqueville is Henry Steele Commager's masterful interpretation of Alexis de Tocqueville's Democracy in America. Using Tocqueville's classic as a vehicle for discussing such contemporary issues as the environment, civil rights, and the military-industrial complex, Commager calls for a new vision of American leadership that trascends nationalism.
Review
"In an eloquent and insightful search for portents and counsel for modern America, the distinguished historian revisits the classic Democracy in America. . . . Consistently wise, sobering, and profound."--Kirkus Reviews
Review
"Pulling no punches, Dr. Commager achieves three things in his invaluable little book. He makes us want to read or reread Tocqueville's 1835 classic, he tells us what's lasting and what's flawed about 'Democracy in America' and, more than many of the historians in academe, he speaks about some imperfections of the United States."--Herbert Mitgang, New York Times
Review
"Henry Steele Commager's brilliant new interpretation of Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America' offers this astute comment: 'He had an instinct for the jugular vein in history.'
Review
"The same can be said for Dr. Commager, the author of major works on the American mind and dream and now professor emeritus of history at Amherst College. For in 'Commager on Tocqueville,' our premier historian allows the reader to see America today through the critical vision of Commager on Commager.
About the Author
"In an eloquent and insightful search for portents and counsel for modern America, the distinguished historian revisits the classic Democracy in America. . . . Consistently wise, sobering, and profound."--Kirkus Reviews
"Pulling no punches, Dr. Commager achieves three things in his invaluable little book. He makes us want to read or reread Tocqueville's 1835 classic, he tells us what's lasting and what's flawed about 'Democracy in America' and, more than many of the historians in academe, he speaks about some imperfections of the United States."--Herbert Mitgang, New York Times
"Henry Steele Commager's brilliant new interpretation of Alexis de Tocqueville's 'Democracy in America' offers this astute comment: 'He had an instinct for the jugular vein in history.'
"The same can be said for Dr. Commager, the author of major works on the American mind and dream and now professor emeritus of history at Amherst College. For in 'Commager on Tocqueville,' our premier historian allows the reader to see America today through the critical vision of Commager on Commager.