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challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
For years I have been aware of the idea of Utopia and also that Thomas More has written to that title but had not realised that it was his invention.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Having been introduced to the the Robert Bolt version of Thomas More and seen him brought to life by Paul Schofield, I have been fascinated with the man. The Bolt/Schofield version is no doubt one-sided. He lived in difficult and distant times and some of his actions and attitudes were disturbing.
This book is served by an excellent introduction which equipped me better to understand how More was using his characters to say things he couldn't say and supplementing the approach with humour. The translation was similarly enhanced by the notes.
What comes through is a man asking questions and challenging conventions. He ridicules many practices and endorses revolutionary new thinking. However for many of these points there is ambiguity for is it what he thinks or is it humour?
Also disquietingly (or perhaps prophetically) the Utopian ideal is undergirded by slavery and rigid control. Utopia has its cost in a fallen world and the cost does not fall fairly.
This has been an excellent experience with much to commend it and much to question.
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Having been introduced to the the Robert Bolt version of Thomas More and seen him brought to life by Paul Schofield, I have been fascinated with the man. The Bolt/Schofield version is no doubt one-sided. He lived in difficult and distant times and some of his actions and attitudes were disturbing.
This book is served by an excellent introduction which equipped me better to understand how More was using his characters to say things he couldn't say and supplementing the approach with humour. The translation was similarly enhanced by the notes.
What comes through is a man asking questions and challenging conventions. He ridicules many practices and endorses revolutionary new thinking. However for many of these points there is ambiguity for is it what he thinks or is it humour?
Also disquietingly (or perhaps prophetically) the Utopian ideal is undergirded by slavery and rigid control. Utopia has its cost in a fallen world and the cost does not fall fairly.
This has been an excellent experience with much to commend it and much to question.