Utopia: Thomas More
 

Utopia: Thomas More

by Thomas More

First published in 1516, Saint Thomas More's Utopia is one of the most important works of European humanism. Through the voice of the mysterious traveler Raphael Hythloday, More describes a pagan, communist city-state governed by reason. Addressing such issues as religious pluralism, women's rights, state-sponsored education, colonialism, and justified warfare, Utopia seems remarkably... (read more)

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Amazon Reviews (5)
 

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Liked It

Rola McClary
  • Rated 4 stars

Much more satirical than I thought it would be, that is to say, before I researched Thomas More. As a personal criticism of this no-place, the intelligent way of life is tainted by the prescribed belief in God, despite the proclaimed religious tolerance. My assertion does not set out to discredit religion, but rather to question the freedom of the republic, and to point out the biases of the book. More was, as would be expected of a man of his period and position, a religious man.

I...

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Didn’t Like It

Peach
  • Rated 2 stars

I suspect Thomas More's Utopia has not aged that well. I enjoyed reading it but felt a bit amused at some of the characteristics of the imaginary island.

Maybe it is possible that we've become more cynical, and to the readers of More's time this "perfect" society seemed more palatable and possible — It was heavily based on Plato's Republic but seems in places even more far-fetched.

One thing that is helpful to remember is that the title of the book is a play...

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Community:
  • Rated 3.59322 stars
Amazon:
  • Rated 4.555555 stars
 

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