Thomas More, a 16th century English lawyer, statesman, and philosopher, was one of the most controversial figures of his time. More opposed the Protestant reformation and denied the King's position as head of the Church of England. This act would ultimately lead to his trial for treason and execution. Despite his tragic downfall, he will forever be remembered for his pioneering work "Utopia." Thomas More first coined the word utopia in his 1516 book of the same name. Although the concept of a near perfect society dates back at least to the period of classical antiquity, it is Thomas More's work that would establish itself as the most famous example of this genre of literature. More's "Utopia" is described as an idealized island community upon which perfect social harmony has been achieved, all property is community owned, violence is nonexistent and everyone has the opportunity to work and live in an environment of religious tolerance. An inspiration for many social movements throughout history "Utopia," will forever be regarded as a groundbreaking work of social philosophy. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, follows the translation of Gilbert Burnet, and includes introductions by Henry Morley and William D. Armes.

De Optimo Republicae Statu deque Nova Insula Utopia (translated On the Best State of a Republic and on the New Island of Utopia) or more simply Utopia is a 1516 book by Sir (Saint) Thomas More.The book, written in Latin, is a frame narrative primarily depicting a fictional island society and its religious, social and political customs. The name of the place is derived from the Greek words οὐ u ("not") and τόπος tópos ("place"), with the topographical suffix -εία eía, hence Οὐτοπεία outopeía (Latinized as Utopia), "no-place land." It also contains a pun, however, because "Utopia" could also be the Latinization of Εὐτοπεία eutopeía, "good-place land," which uses the Greek prefix ευ eu, "good," instead of οὐ. One interpretation holds that this suggests that while Utopia might be some sort of perfected society, it is ultimately unreachable. Despite modern connotations of the word "utopia," it is widely accepted that the society More describes in this work was not actually his own "perfect society." Rather he wished to use the contrast between the imaginary land's unusual political ideas and the chaotic politics of his own day as a platform from which to discuss social issues in Europe.

Thomas More, a 16th century English lawyer, statesman, and philosopher, was one of the most controversial figures of his time. More opposed the Protestant reformation and denied the King's position as head of the Church of England. This act would ultimately lead to his trial for treason and execution. Despite his tragic downfall, he will forever be remembered for his pioneering work "Utopia." Thomas More first coined the word utopia in his 1516 book of the same name. Although the concept of a near perfect society dates back at least to the period of classical antiquity, it is Thomas More's work that would establish itself as the most famous example of this genre of literature. More's "Utopia" is described as an idealized island community upon which perfect social harmony has been achieved, all property is community owned, violence is nonexistent and everyone has the opportunity to work and live in an environment of religious tolerance. An inspiration for many social movements throughout history "Utopia," will forever be regarded as a groundbreaking work of social philosophy. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper, follows the translation of Gilbert Burnet, and includes introductions by Henry Morley and William D. Armes. Utopia: First published in 1516, 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 contemporary nearly five centuries after it was written, and it remains a foundational text in philosophy and political theory.

In this timeless classic, "Utopia," Thomas More presents a fascinating exploration of an ideal society. Translated by Gilbert Burnet, this thought-provoking narrative delves into the structure of a perfect community on the fictional island of Utopia. More's work challenges readers with its insightful reflections on justice, governance, and societal norms. A cornerstone of political philosophy and social critique, "Utopia" remains a compelling read for those seeking to understand the complexities of creating a just and equitable society.

Utopia is a fascinating novel that tells the story of a visitor to a distant island home to a community that has established an ideal society. Based on harmony, justice, rationality, virtue, equality and the pursuit of happiness, it presents a sharp contrast with sixteenth century England. This remarkable novel is complex, insightful and far-sighted, and has, for centuries, been of great interest to scholars, politicians, writers and readers who have sought to untangle its mysteries and bring to life their own utopias.