One of the most influential books in the Western tradition, More's Utopia (1516) describes an imaginary island community enjoying perfect social and political harmony. This volume is the first to offer the original English translation of the work in an edition that allows readers to explore in-depth the book's historical and intellectual contexts as well as the circumstances of its reception. A detailed introduction discusses the literary and philosophical underpinnings of More's thought and situates More and his work within the political, economic, and religious contexts of 16th century England.