History, it is easily perceived, is a picture gallery containing a host of copies and very few originals

History, it is easily perceived, is a picture gallery containing a host of copies and very few originals

Alexis de Tocqueville, a French political thinker and historian, is best known for his work "Democracy in America," in which he analyzed the American political system and society in the early 19th century. Tocqueville's observations and insights have had a lasting impact on the study of democracy and political science. In the context of the quote "History, it is easily perceived, is a picture gallery containing a host of copies and very few originals," Tocqueville's work can be seen as a prime example of how history is often a collection of interpretations and perspectives rather than objective truths.

Tocqueville's analysis of American democracy was based on his observations and interactions with American society during his travels in the United States. He sought to understand the unique characteristics of American democracy and how it differed from the political systems of Europe. Tocqueville's work is considered an original contribution to the study of democracy, as he provided new insights and perspectives that were not previously explored.

However, Tocqueville's work can also be seen as a "copy" in the sense that it is a product of his own biases, experiences, and interpretations. Like all historians, Tocqueville's analysis of American democracy was influenced by his own background and perspective. His observations were filtered through his own cultural and intellectual lens, which shaped his conclusions and interpretations.