[A Thomas More Source Book] [Author: x] [August, 2004]

by Thomas More

This Source Book brings together classic texts by and about Thomas More—poet, scholar, statesman, family man, educational reformer, philosopher, historian, and saint. In addition to serving as an introduction to More's life and writings for the general reader, this collection is a helpful companion to the study of More's literary and philosophical masterwork, Utopia, and to the study of sixteenth-century history, literature, philosophy, or politics. The writings focus upon More's views of education, political theory, church-state relations, love and friendship, practical politics, and the vexing issues of conscience. They shed light on the distinctive Christian humanism that More expressed and embodied. Also included in this book are three famous sixteenth-century accounts of More's life by Erasmus, Roper, and a team of London playwrights including William Shakespeare.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

Paperback

First published August 1, 2004

About the author

Sir Thomas More (1477-1535), venerated by Catholics as Saint Thomas More, was an English lawyer, social philosopher, author, statesman, and noted Renaissance humanist. He was a councillor to Henry VIII and also served as Lord High Chancellor of England from October 1529 to 16 May 1532.

More opposed the Protestant Reformation, in particular the theology of Martin Luther and William Tyndale. He also wrote Utopia, published in 1516, about the political system of an imaginary ideal island nation. More opposed the King's separation from the Catholic Church, refusing to acknowledge Henry as Supreme Head of the Church of England and the annulment of his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. After refusing to take the Oath of Supremacy, he was convicted of treason and beheaded.

Pope Pius XI canonised More in 1935 as a martyr. Pope John Paul II in 2000 declared him the "heavenly Patron of Statesmen and Politicians." Since 1980, the Church of England has remembered More liturgically as a Reformation martyr. The Soviet Union honoured him for the Communistic attitude toward property rights expressed in Utopia.

Reviews

[Ecnav Dragyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

First rate primer to Sir Thomas's life and times.

[Fae]

I learned a lot about St. Thomas More and his approach to life. One of the most profound things I learned was that he was God's servant first and then King Henry's – but never in opposition to Henry. St. Thomas More begged Henry not to put him on the spot and at first Henry agreed; but later, Henry must have begun to feel less confident and did indeed press More to make a statement in support of the king's actions. Thomas More could not – not only because Henry's actions rebelled against the Church but also> because Henry was taking more power upon himself than was due to a king. But Thomas More was opposed to anarchy and disorder perhaps more than anything and he remained loyal to the king by not saying anything. Eventually, that was not enough, as we know. But it was wonderful to see it from his perspective. I loved getting to know the story from More's point of view and trying to decipher what was really on his mind.

[Kiernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. A must-buy for anyone interested in More, Shakespeare, or the English Renaissance.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thomas More grew on me after reading his letters to his children, to their tutor, and to Oxford.