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Concise historical introduction to Thomas More and his continuing influence on the world and how we see it.
Part One: The History (What do we know?) This brief historical introduction to Thomas More explores the social, political and religious factors that formed the original context of his life and writings, and considers how those factors affected the way he was initially received.
What was his impact on the world at the time and what were the key ideas and values connected with him?
Part Two: The Legacy (Why does it matter?) This second part explores the intellectual and cultural ‘afterlife’ of Thomas More, and considers the ways in which his impact has lasted and been developed in different contexts by later generations.
Why is he still considered important today? In what ways is his legacy contested or resisted? And what aspects of his legacy are likely to continue to influence the world in the future?
Dr John Guy has been Fellow in History, Clare College, at the University of Cambridge, since 2003. His many previous publications include books about key Tudor figures such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, and The Tudors: A Very Short Introduction, the latter with Oxford University Press.
