Utopia

This classic book, originally written in Latin by Sir Thomas More, also known as Saint Thomas More, depicts a fictional island society, and its religious, social and political customs. The original title “De optimo rei publicae statu deque nova insula Utopia” literally translates, "Of a republic's best state and of the new island Utopia". The book is the predecessor of the entire utopian literary genre. The book centers around Raphael Hythlodeaus (analogous to the archangel Raphael), who describes the political arrangements of an imaginary island country of Utopia to himself and to Pieter Gillis. The island name Utopia was a Greek pun from two similar sounding words meaning “no place” and “good place”. The book served to shed light on the tumultuous times and volatile political situation during the reign of Henry VIII. More was an important counselor to Henry VIII of England and for three years toward the end of his life he was Lord Chancellor. The book was published in 1516. In 1535, Henry VIII had Thomas More tried and executed for treason by beheading.