Canon Book Group: Special guided discussion

Presentations and discussion of the classic book Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville (1835)

We invite you to read this book, or refresh your acquaintance with it, and join us in a lively discussion of what The Library of America calls “the most perceptive and influential book ever written about American politics and society.”  All are welcome to join a guided discussion of this profound work conducted by members of the Canon book group.

Alexis de Tocqueville came to America in 1831 to study and report on the American penal system.  Tocqueville, a nobleman, descended from a line of distinguished public servants and defenders of the French crown.  He wrote and published that report on American criminal justice in 1833, and then he published (in French) Democracy in America, Parts 1 and 2.  Europeans and Americans have been talking and thinking abut his work ever since.  His work contains insights that may help us in the present fraught political times.

To request print copies of the book please reach out to Megan Jones at mjones@sonomalibrary.org or call (707) 433-3772.