What we can learn from a Renaissance nowhere In 1516 a book was published in Latin with the
enigmatic Greek-derived word as its title. Utopia--which could mean either good-place or
no-place--gives a traveler's account of a newly discovered island somewhere in the New World
where the inhabitants enjoy a social order based purely on natural reason and justice. As the
traveler describes the harmony prosperity and equality found there a dramatic contrast is
drawn between the ideal community he portrays and the poverty crime and often frightening
political conditions of 16th century Europe. Written by Sir Thomas More (1477-1535)--then a
rising intellectual star of the Renaissance and ultimately the advisor and friend of Henry VIII
who was executed for his devoutly Catholic opposition to the king--Utopia is as complex as its
author. In the form of a Platonic dialogue Utopia explores topics such as money property
crime education religious tolerance euthanasia and feminism. Claimed as a paean to
communism (Lenin had More's name inscribed on a statue in Moscow) as often as it has been seen
as a defense of traditional medieval values Utopia began the lineage of utopian thinkers who
use storytelling to explore new possibilities for human society--and remains as relevant today
as when it was written in Antwerp 500 years ago. * Explore the issues like feminism euthanasia
and equality through Renaissance eyes * Early communist tract or a defense of medieval values?
You decide. * Peer inside the enigmatic mind of the man who dared stand up to Henry VIII *
Appreciate the postmodern possibilities of Platonic dialogue Part of the bestselling Capstone
Classics series edited by Tom Butler-Bowdon this edition features an introduction from writer
economist and historian Niall Kishtainy.
