Democracy in America by Alexis de Tocqueville
This influential book offers an in-depth analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of 19th century American democracy. The author, a French political thinker, provides a detailed examination of the democratic process and its impact on society, politics, and the economy. The work highlights the importance of civil society, local institutions, and the spirit of equality in ensuring the stability of democracy. It also delves into the dangers of majority tyranny, the potential for democratic despotism, and the critical role of religion and morality in sustaining a democratic nation.
The 229th greatest book of all time
Ranking Details:
Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:
Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.
Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:
- Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
- Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.
Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.
This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.
List Date Penalty Feature
In our continuous effort to provide the most accurate and fair rankings, we have introduced a new feature: the List Date Penalty. This feature aims to reduce recency bias in our rankings by applying a penalty to books based on their publication dates relative to the list's publication date.
How It Works
- Publication Date Comparison: For each book on a list, we compare its publication date to the publication date of the list.
-
Penalty Application:
- Maximum Penalty: If a book was published in the same year as the list, it receives the maximum penalty, as we believe it hasn't had enough time to stand the test of time.
- Proportional Penalty: Books that were published in the years leading up to the list's publication date receive a proportional penalty based on the number of years they have been available.
- No Penalty: Books that were published more than a specified number of years (max age for penalty) before the list's publication date do not receive any penalty, acknowledging their enduring relevance and influence.
Why This Matters
By mitigating recency bias, the List Date Penalty feature helps to ensure that books that have had more time to be evaluated by readers and critics are given their due weight. This results in a more equitable and historically balanced ranking that truly reflects the greatest books of all time.
Total Points: 1380
This book was first published in 1835
23 Lists
- score: 169 -- Harenberg Buch der 1000 Bücher - 2005 (Weight: 160)
- score: 169 -- The Bigger Read List - 2003 (Weight: 160)
- score: 135 -- The Guardian's Essential Library - 2002 (Weight: 128)
- score: 127 -- The Great Books Podcast from John J. Miller - 2025 (Weight: 120)
- score: 125 -- 48 Good Books - 2010 (Weight: 118)
- score: 122 -- Ezra Klein Show's Most Recommended Books - 2024 (Weight: 100)
- score: 120 -- Best Books Listed for High School Students - 1984 (Weight: 120)
- score: 87 -- The Great Books Reader - 2011 (Weight: 83)
- score: 84 -- Zeit Library of 100 Non-Fiction Books - 1984 (Weight: 80)
- score: 81 -- All-Time Classics, According to Academics - 1985 (Weight: 81)
- score: 54 -- The Best Travel Books of All Time, According to Authors - 2022 (Weight: 51)
- score: 51 -- Six Professors from "Esteemed" Universities Favorite Books - 1982 (Weight: 51)
- score: 31 -- The New Lifetime Reading Plan - 1999 (Weight: 30)
- score: 10 -- Masterpieces of World Literature - 1991 (Weight: 10)
- score: 1 -- Our Users' Honorable Mention Favorite Books of All Time - 2024 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- Tomes for the Home - 2000 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- The Well-Educated Mind - 2003 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List - 2018 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- Great Books of the Western World - 1990 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- The 50 Most Influential Books of All Time - 2010 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 110 Best Books: The Perfect Library - 2008 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- The College Board: 101 Great Books Recommended for College-Bound Readers - 2002 (Weight: 1)
- score: 1 -- 100 Best Political Books - 2017 (Weight: 1)