Thomas More's 1516 philosophical work introduces readers to an imaginary island society where private property doesn't exist and citizens live in harmony through shared resources and rational governance. Written as a dialogue between More and a fictional traveler, this foundational English Renaissance text explores ideal social structures while critiquing contemporary political and economic systems. Gilbert Burnet's translation makes this influential philosophical treatise accessible to modern readers.
Henry VIII., the unconquered King of England, a prince adorned with all the virtues that become a great monarch, having some differences of no small consequence with Charles the most serene Prince of Castile, sent me into Flanders, as his ambassador, for treating and composing matters between them. I was colleague and companion to that incomparable man Cuthbert Tonstal, whom the King, with such universal applause, lately made Master of the Rolls; but of whom I will say nothing; not because I fear that the testimony of a friend will be suspected, but rather because his learning and virtues are too great for me to do them justice, and so well known, that they need not my commendations, unless I would, according to the proverb, "Show the sun with a lantern." Those that were appointed by the Prince to treat with us, met us at Bruges, according to agreement; they were all worthy men. The Marg…Continue reading →
This is the Gilbert Burnet translation, a public-domain English text. Marginalia presents it unabridged, with chapter navigation, your reading position saved, and optional AI commentary on any passage.
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