Utopia

More has been hailed as an essentially medieval Catholic thinker and as a precursor to Marxism. His description of Utopia is not a blueprint for redesigning Eurospean society but a construct which highlights the moral and social shortcomings of Christendom. In writing Utopia, Thomas More drew on his profound knowledge of classical literature, on contemporary humanism, and on various travelers tales. His picture of Utopia owes something to Marco Polos China. For King Utopus he borrows from Plutarchs biographies of the Spartan Kings Lycurgus and Agis IV. The speakers in Utopia invoke Platos Republic more than any other source, the book is also a implicit critique of the Republic. There are many English translations of Utopia, but this edition and translation, aimed at American college students, breaks down the many long passages into modern-sized paragraphs for easier reading.