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Utopia

The History of an Idea
By Gregory Claeys
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Utopia by Gregory Claeys delves into the concept of utopian societies throughout history, examining their philosophical roots and cultural influences. It explores the evolution of utopian ideas and their impact on modern thought in science and nature. The book provides an insightful analysis without depicting an ideal society, instead questioning the feasibility and implications of such ideals.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're fascinated by the exploration of ideal societies and the philosophical underpinnings of utopian concepts. It offers a rich historical perspective on how the notion of utopia has evolved through time, providing insightful analysis on the impact of these ideas within our societal and environmental landscapes.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

A worldwide survey on the idea of utopia, from classical mythology to contemporary science fiction.

A compelling history of a perennially powerful idea: the quest for the ideal society

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Aspirations for a better—even a perfect—society have existed throughout history, often imagined in intricate detail by philosophers, poets, social reformers, architects, and artists. This book explores a perennially powerful idea: the quest for the ideal society.

Gregory Claeys surveys the influence of the idea of Utopia on history. Central to his exploration of ideal worlds are creation myths; archetypes of heaven and the afterlife; new worlds and voyages of discovery; ages of revolution and technological progress; model communities and kibbutzim; political and ecological dystopias; space travel and science fiction.

The most significant utopias throughout history—whether envisaged or attempted—are covered, including visions of the ideal society in the West as well as American, Asian, African, and the Arab worlds.

From classical times to the present day, this compelling book traces the enduring human need to imagine and construct ideal worlds.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Utopia by Gregory Claeys is highly praised for its comprehensive and dynamic exploration of utopian ideas. Critics describe it as a magisterial work with a well-informed and penetrating perspective. The book is lauded for its excellent survey of utopian impulses, offering a vibrant and fast-moving narrative that suggests the complexity of applying utopian dreams in practice.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780500295526

Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 09 January 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Thames & Hudson Ltd

Illustration: 23 Illustrations, color

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 220g

Pages: 224

Collections

Education & Reference Gregory Claeys Non-Fiction Science & Nature

About the Author

Gregory Claeys has been Professor of the History of Political Thought at Royal Holloway since 1992. His many books include Utopia, Thomas Paine and the Pelican book Marx and Marxism.

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