Thomas More: A Very Brief History

Thomas More was born in 1478 in London, England. He was the son of a successful lawyer and served in the Royal Court under King Henry VII. More became a noted humanist and advocate for reform during the reign of King Henry VIII. He opposed the King's break with the Catholic Church and was eventually executed for treason in 1535. More's legacy includes his writings, which are considered important for their insights into human nature and the relationship between the individual and society. His ideas have had a lasting impact on the world and are still being developed today.

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?