French author of Democracy in America.
Alexis de Tocqueville. Autograph Letter Signed, two pages, quarto, April 17, 1841.
“I received the last volume of the Academy of Caen as well as the yearbook of the Department of La Manche, which you announced to me by your letter of March 26. I cannot thank you too much for this double missive. I take it that the work of the meetings is finished, so as to leave me free to read these two works in which I am sure to find instruction and pleasure. I also thank you very much for having sent me your own article on secondary instruction. I have had even greater pleasure in reading this article, as on many points my views corresponded with yours. I think that if the university, which remains the authority to lay down the conditions of the Baccalaureate and to asses the results of examination, fulfills its obligation, the majority of fears one could conceive of for freedom of instruction will not become reality and that one will only have the advantages of the freedom. Almost all studies are taken up with the goal of the Baccalaureate, and if Baccalaureate examinations are serious, studies will be, too. Like you I attach great importance in written examinations. Those are the ones in which chance has the least part. I said this in the midst of the committee. May the university take the necessary time and trouble to assure that the instruction of those who present themselves to become bachelors become a reality, and the first of all the guarantees which the state can wish be obtained. Your work stresses many other questions which it would be very agreeable to me to be able to discuss with you. I lack the time.”
Alexis de Tocqueville’s masterwork, Democracy in America, was published in two volumes in 1835 and 1840. He was elected to the Academie francaise in 1841. Alexis de Tocqueville’s interest in social issues was impressive for its breadth and the penetrating analysis which he brought to it.
Price: $2,750
This item is associated with the following category in our inventory:
- Literature – German/French
