Utopia (Capstone Classics)

by Sir Thomas More

Sir Thomas More (1477 - 1535) remains one of the most enigmatic thinkers in history, due to the enduring mysteries surrounding his best-known work, Utopia.

In his socio-political work, More writes of a traveller's account of a newly discovered island in which the inhabitants share a common culture and way of life. As the traveller describes the harmony, equality, and prosperity of the island, a dramatic contrast is drawn between his imagined community and the very real poverty, crime and political corruption of 16th century Europe.

In Utopia, More explores topics such as crime, punishment, education, multi-religion societies, divorce, euthanasia and women's rights, making the book as relevant today as it was 500 years ago.

Part of the bestselling Capstone Classics Series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon, this attractive, high-quality edition also features an introduction from writer, economist and historian, Niall Kishtainy.

• ISBN10: 1596250879
• ISBN13: 9781596250871
• Publish Date: 1 January 2004 (first published 4 April 1912)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Digireads.com
• Format: eBook
• Language: English

Reviews

[wcs53]

I really didn't know what to expect from Thomas More's Utopia. I knew what the idea of utopia has become in the English language - an ideal place or state with perfect laws - and I was intrigued to see what this might be from the viewpoint of someone in the early 16th century.

In many ways Thomas More was way ahead of his time. I was interested to read his commentary early on in the book in regards to some of the laws in his day, especially those concerning stealing and murder. His thoughts on these were very enlightening.

This book is not a particularly long read, but it seemed so when I was reading it. I realize that this is more an indication of the time in which it was written than anything else, but in the end I was glad to get through it.

More's Utopia is not a place that I would like to live. Although it may seem ideal to have such a utopian existence, I found that there seemed to be little room for creativity or any kind of individual thought. I think after a while that it would be a very boring place to live, but in the context of its day, then perhaps it would have been a vast improvement on life for many people of that time.

Utopia isn't a bad book and I'm glad I took the opportunity to read it, but I don't think it is one I will be returning to any time soon.