Thomas More's Utopia

Arguing for Social Justice

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, History
Cover of the book Thomas More's Utopia by Lawrence Wilde, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Lawrence Wilde ISBN: 9781317281375
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: August 12, 2016
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Lawrence Wilde
ISBN: 9781317281375
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: August 12, 2016
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

The 500th anniversary of the first publication of Thomas More’s Utopia invites a reappraisal of its significance, not just as an ironic and playful fiction, but as a serious contribution to social and political thought. More delivers a searing critique of the injustices of his time and imagines a radical alternative based on common ownership and representative government. In this new interpretation, Wilde surveys the context from which Utopia emerged and analyses its key themes – politics, economics, social relations, crime and punishment, war and religion. Although the society of the Utopians is created as a remedy to the ailments of the old world, there are restrictions on individual freedom which reflect More’s suspicion of human nature’s innate fragility. Wilde argues that this should not detract from the power of the book in challenging the root causes of inequality and oppression.

The true legacy of Utopia lies in its plea for social justice in the face of a world driven by greed and the lust for power. A compelling case is made for the continued relevance of this masterpiece, a legacy that should not be diminished by attempts to discredit More’s character, which are dealt with here in the epilogue. Offering a new perspective on this important historical text, this book is essential reading for students and scholars working in radical politics, the history of social thought and literature, as well as anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating work.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The 500th anniversary of the first publication of Thomas More’s Utopia invites a reappraisal of its significance, not just as an ironic and playful fiction, but as a serious contribution to social and political thought. More delivers a searing critique of the injustices of his time and imagines a radical alternative based on common ownership and representative government. In this new interpretation, Wilde surveys the context from which Utopia emerged and analyses its key themes – politics, economics, social relations, crime and punishment, war and religion. Although the society of the Utopians is created as a remedy to the ailments of the old world, there are restrictions on individual freedom which reflect More’s suspicion of human nature’s innate fragility. Wilde argues that this should not detract from the power of the book in challenging the root causes of inequality and oppression.

The true legacy of Utopia lies in its plea for social justice in the face of a world driven by greed and the lust for power. A compelling case is made for the continued relevance of this masterpiece, a legacy that should not be diminished by attempts to discredit More’s character, which are dealt with here in the epilogue. Offering a new perspective on this important historical text, this book is essential reading for students and scholars working in radical politics, the history of social thought and literature, as well as anyone interested in learning more about this fascinating work.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Audition Speeches for Women by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Practice What You Teach by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Causality and Chance in Modern Physics by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Cooperation in Groups by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Cultural Property and Contested Ownership by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Becoming an Outstanding Primary School Teacher by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Mediterranean Voyages by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Psychosocial Treatment for Medical Conditions by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Authority and Meaning in Indian Religions by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book The Ongoing End: On the Limits of Apocalyptic Narrative by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Trade and Empire in the Atlantic 1400-1600 by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Democratisation in the 21st Century by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Comparing Prison Systems by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Innovations in Interventions to Address Intimate Partner Violence by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Evaluating the Responsibility to Protect by Lawrence Wilde
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy