Description
First published in 1516, this book is a landmark work of fiction and socio-political satire by Sir Thomas More. The story is told through a conversation with a fictional traveler named Raphael Hythloday, who describes the customs and organization of a seemingly perfect island nation called Utopia. In this ideal society, private property is abolished, all citizens are educated and work only six hours a day, and there is no poverty or need for money. The book is a profound critique of the social injustices of More’s own time, particularly the extreme inequality, poverty, and corruption in 16th-century England. The work has had a lasting impact, coining the term “utopia” and inspiring a genre of literature that explores ideal societies. However, the book’s true intent remains a subject of scholarly debate, with some arguing it is a sincere proposal for a better world, while others view it as a clever satire meant to highlight the absurdity of such a perfect place.
