Thomas More`s Utopia presents an account of an idealised fictional society that has fascinated readers since its first publication in Latin in 1516. It is a scathing critique of More`s contemporaries and a hopeful portrait of a better world; a ridiculous satire of the rich and powerful, and a personal exploration of what constitutes a good life.

This edition is based on the first English translation of Utopia, produced in the mid-sixteenth century, allowing readers to understand how More was read on publication and the effects of the translator`s changes upon the book`s legacy. The introduction by Joanne Paul provides insights into More`s context and intentions, exploring why this work has been so influential in modern utopian literature and in political theory through the ages.