Utopia

by Thomas More
Utopia cover
Good Books rating 3.33
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5403
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9780140449105
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2003-01-30
  • Formats: 10
  • Reviews: 3

Thomas More's 'Utopia' is a seminal work that introduces the concept of an ideal society, blending fiction and philosophy to create a thought-provoking narrative. The book presents a fictional island society that operates on principles of equality, justice, and communal living, offering a stark contrast to the societal norms of More's time. Translated with an introduction by Paul Turner, this edition includes a revised introduction, a new chronology, and further reading, providing valuable context and enhancing the reader's understanding of More's influential work.

Reviews
Warm Days Will Never Cease · 2019-10-29
intriguing 3.50

The book is a satirical piece of prose that is both wonderful and odd. It is noted for introducing the term 'utopia' to the world.

The reviewer finds Utopia to be a wonderfully satirical yet odd piece of prose. They appreciate the book's unique perspective and its introduction of the term 'utopia'. The book's satirical nature is highlighted, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer also notes that while it is not the first work of utopian fiction, it has had a significant impact on the genre.

Quick quotes

    Utopia is a wonderfully satirical, yet odd, piece of prose.

    While it is not the first work of utopian fiction, it did give us the term 'utopia'.

    The book is a satirical piece that is both wonderful and odd.

The Guardian · Terry Eagleton · 2015-10-16
thoughtful 4.00

The perfection of the utopia is not tarnished by the presence of slaves. The book explores various aspects of Utopian society, including government, religion, economics, and family matters.

Terry Eagleton discusses how the perfection of the utopia in the book is not diminished by the presence of slaves. He delves into the various aspects of Utopian society, such as government, religion, economics, and family matters. Eagleton finds the book to be a profound exploration of societal structures and their implications. He appreciates the depth and complexity of the utopia presented, even with its flaws.

Quick quotes

    The perfection of his utopia is not tarnished in his view by the fact that it contains slaves.

    On certain festive days wives would fall down at ...

    The book further on takes the reader through several parts of the Utopian society, such as government, religion, economics and family matters.

Rebecca Reid Reviews · Rebecca Reid · 2009-05-06
mixed 2.50

The book was diverting to read but not particularly delightful or engaging. It lacks a substantial plot and is more of a philosophical exploration.

Rebecca Reid finds Utopia to be diverting but not particularly delightful or engaging. She notes that the book lacks a substantial plot and is more of a philosophical exploration. Reid appreciates the book's intellectual depth but finds it less engaging as a narrative. She highlights the book's focus on philosophical ideas over plot development, making it a unique but not entirely satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    It was diverting to read, but Utopia by Thomas More was not a delightful, engaging read.

    It has essentially no plot: a world-traveler tells ...

    The book is more of a philosophical exploration than a narrative.

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