Thomas More

Abstract Thomas More is one of the most enduringly fascinating, as well as profoundly controversial, figures of English history. A brilliant scholar and writer, his Utopia of 1516 dared to imagine how society might be completely reordered. At the same time, his hatred of the Reformation caused him to advocate, and seek to implement, the death penalty for heretics. A friend and advisor to Henry VIII, More’s refusal to support Henry’s break with Rome brought about his own execution in 1535. The meanings of the life and death of Thomas More have always been contested. Courageous martyr or scheming traitor? Wise statesman-philosopher or facetious dilettante? Warm-hearted family man or sexually repressed misogynist? Champion of individual conscience or violent authoritarian? More is unique in having been hailed in the Soviet Union as a pioneer of communism, and canonized as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. He is the hero of one of the 20th century’s most highly regarded historical films, and the villain of one of the 21st century’s most acclaimed historical novels. Peter Marshall offers an informed, insightful, and entertaining account of More’s life, writings, and achievements, along with an astute assessment of his posthumous reputation. Marshall argues that apparent contradictions in More’s character and actions must be embraced rather than explained away, and that modern people should accept the challenge of finding inspiration in historical figures whose values and attitudes differ radically from our own.