Library of America

Library Bookwatch, August, 2004

Library of America

14 East 60th St., New York NY 10022

www.loa.org

The high-quality publications and classic presentations of Library of America makes certain classics will be presented in volumes appropriate for lasting library lending, and two recent additions are no less powerful for literary holdings. The new translation by Arthur Goldhammer of Tocqueville's Democracy In America (1931-082545, $35.00) returns the most influential book about early American politics and democracy to modern library holdins. Tocqueville came to this country in 1831 to study American prison systems and interviewed over 200 people on American politics, law, and issues. His return to France and subsequent description of this country's systems vividly described current conditions and their implications for European society--and remains a classic today. Washington Irving's three Western narratives Tour On The Prairies, Astoria and Adventures Of Captain Bonneville (1931082537, $40.00) presents a trilogy which helped define early perceptions of Western life in the Great Plains, Rocky Mountains, and Pacific Northwest. Editor James Rhonda does a fine job of pulling together these narratives and their appearance under one cover results in a satisfyingly uniform presentation libraries will appreciate.