Thomas More
1478 – 1535 English writer, statesman
The humanist author of Utopia, martyred for his faith.
- Religion
- Catholic; executed for refusing to accept Henry VIII as head of the church, and later canonized a saint.
- Affiliations
- Lord Chancellor of England. No secret society.
More coined the word utopia in his book imagining an ideal, communal society, a founding text of political fantasy and social criticism. As Lord Chancellor he refused to endorse Henry VIII's break with Rome and was beheaded. The Catholic Church made him a saint.
Connections
- ally of Erasmus — Close friends; More hosted him and shared his humanist aims.
In the timeline
- 1516 Thomas More imagines Utopia central figure