Paris: Charles Gosselin, 1835. 2 Volumes. First edition of the first part in the original French language. Finely bound in contemporary quarter calf over mottled paper covered boards, with all edges marbled. Pp. (4) + xxiv + 367; (4) + 459, engraved, handcolored folding map. Near Fine, with contents toned, and faint speckling to top corner of front cover of Volume I. Small edge tear to folding map. Tocqueville was sent to America by the French government to study the prison system. During his nine-month stay, he used his official business as a pretext to study American society, and wrote his classic text upon his return to France. Though an instant success, this first part was published in January of 1835 in a small edition of less than 500 copies; the second part was published five years later, issued concurrently with the eighth edition of the first part.