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 Corporatism, Social Control, and Cultural Domination in Education: From the Radical Right to Globalization by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Music in Contemporary Philosophy by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Urban Environmental Policy Analysis by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book A Trial of Witches by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Mao's Road to Power: Revolutionary Writings, 1912-49: v. 6: New Stage (August 1937-1938) by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Gender, Race, and the Politics of Role Modelling by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book The Digital Document by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book The South West to 1000 AD by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Freedom, Fame, Lying And Betrayal by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Publishing Pedagogies for the Doctorate and Beyond by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Hegel After Derrida by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Comics in Translation by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Dynamic Linear Economic Models by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Teacher Development And Educational Change by Lawrence Wilde
Cover of the book Lifestyle Media in American Culture 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