Democracy

An American Novel

An American Novel

By Henry Adams
Introduction by Earl N. Harbert

By Henry Adams
Introduction by Earl N. Harbert

Best Seller
Democracy by Henry Adams
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Paperback $14.00

Jul 29, 2008 | 224 Pages

Ebook $7.99

Jul 29, 2008 | 224 Pages

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    About Democracy

    An instant bestseller when first published in 1880, Democracy is the quintessential American political novel. At its heart is Madeleine Lee, a young widow who comes to Washington, D.C., to understand the workings of power. Pursued by Silas Ratcliffe, the most influential member of the Senate, Madeleine soon sees enough of power and its corrupting influence to last her a lifetime.

    For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

    About Democracy

    An immediate bestseller upon its publication in 1880, the anonymously penned Democracy prompted widespread speculation and guessing games as to its author’s identity. It is the story of Mrs. Lightfoot Lee, a society widow, and Silas Ratcliffe, the most influential member of the Senate, who, throughout the novel, pursues Mrs. Lee while at the same time battling her for power. Set in Washington in the 1870s, Democracy presents a scathing and incisive look at the intricate inner workings of politics and corruption that remains relevant today.

    This Modern Library Paperback Classic is set from the 1880 first edition and includes a contemporary review from The Atlantic Monthly.

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    Praise

    “[One] of the most perceptive books ever written about Washington.” —Maureen Dowd, The New York Times

    “An entertaining tale of manners and an important meditation on democracy and its discontents—a narrative about politics that resonates even now, nearly 140 years after its first appearance.” —Jon Meacham, The New York Times Book Review

    About Henry Adams

    Born in 1838 into the family of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Henry Adams had the opportunity to pursue a wide-ranging variety of intellectual interests during the course of his life. Functioning both in the world of practical men and affairs… More about Henry Adams

    About Henry Adams

    Born in 1838 into the family of John Adams and John Quincy Adams, Henry Adams had the opportunity to pursue a wide-ranging variety of intellectual interests during the course of his life. Functioning both in the world of practical men and affairs… More about Henry Adams

    Product Details

    Paperback
    Published by Penguin Classics
    Jul 29, 2008 | 224 Pages | 5-1/16 x 7-3/4 | ISBN 9780143039808

    Ebook
    Published by Penguin Classics
    Jul 29, 2008 | 224 Pages | ISBN 9781440631016

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