The three classics of European social theory, Alexis de Tocqueville, Max Weber, and Theodor W. Adorno, have always maintained a comparative perspective on the conditions and developments in Europe in their writings, which were created during or as a result of their stays in America. Together, their American observations span a period of 120 years. Claus Offe's Frankfurt lectures on Adorno have taken this unique constellation as an opportunity to critically examine these observations and to profile the view of the foreign culture as a reflection on one's own. This results in a fascinating kaleidoscope that, rich in material and conceptually clear, continually explores new theoretical and historical constellations. The observations that occupied these travelers to America at the time address questions that are of great interest today.