De la démocratie en Amérique.

Paris: Charles Gosselin [vol. I: et W. Coquebert],, 1838-40. An inscribed copy of "one of the most important texts in political literature" First editions of Volumes III-IV, sixth of Volumes I and II. The third volume is a presentation copy inscribed by the author on the half-title "à Madame le Tissier hommage respectueux de l'auteur [Tocqueville's initials]". Marie-Bénigne-Esther le Tissier (1786-1859) was part of Juliette Recamier's salon attended by Tocqueville, as well as various other Parisian intellectual circles that he was a member of. She was married to the Mayor of Vouvray, Pierre-Hippolyte Le Tissier. Both were strong Bourbonists. Tocqueville's magnum opus is a cornerstone of political science and "one of the most significant works ever written on American political and civil life" (Books that Made Europe). The first edition of Volumes I and II were published in 1835 and this sixth edition appeared in 1838. Contemporary sets with the four volumes uniformly bound are uncommon. Provenance: Marie-Bénigne-Esther le Tissier; presumably by descent to "J. L. Desjardins, prt [i.e. prêtre = priest]" (the Le Tissier and Desjardins families were linked by marriage), his early inscription to each title page; cropped and illegible inscribed word/name at the head of the half-title of Volumes I and II; George Villiers, 4th Earl of Clarendon (1800-1870), bookplate on the front pastedowns of each volume, save for the third where it is on the rear; "Vente de Château de Malines 1899", pencilled note on terminal page of Volume IV. Four volumes, octavo (204 x 130 mm). Contemporary quarter sheep, spines lettered in gilt, mottled sides, marbled endpapers, brown speckled edges. Hand-coloured lithographic folding map of the United States. A little rubbed, light staining in gutter in vol. I, sporadic light foxing. A very good set. Books that Made Europe, p. 206; En français dans le texte 253; Goldsmiths' 28902 (vols 1 & 2 only); Howes T278; Printing and the Mind of Man 358 note ("one of the most important texts in political literature"); Sabin 96060/1. Not in Einaudi (which has only the 15th edition) or Kress.