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Ideal Commonwealths is comprised of five writings on the ideal civilization including politics and social programs. Inspired by the philosophy of Plato and Socrates and often viewed as satirical, each essay each essay portrays an ideal form of human existence.
Life of Lycurgus by Plutarch is a biography of Lycurgus, the legendary lawgiver of Sparta, who established the military-oriented reformation of Spartan society. All his reforms were directed towards the three Spartan virtues: equality, military fitness, and austerity.
Utopia by the Tudor statesman and Catholic martyr, Sir Thomas More describes a communist society austerely dedicated to organized happiness.
The New Atlantis by James I's Lord Chancellor, Sir Francis Bacon, describes a South Pacific community committed to scientific research; doing pioneering work in aeronautical and submarine technology and in genetic engineering.
The City of the Sun by Tomaso Campanella, is located on an island in the Indian Ocean. This is one of the most important utopias, and may have influenced Bacon's New Atlantis.
Mundus Alter et Idem by Joseph Hall is a satirical utopian fantasy in which the narrator takes a voyage in the ship Fantasia, in the southern seas.
About the author
Plutarch, born around AD 46 in Chaeronea, Boeotia, was a prominent Greek philosopher, historian, and biographer. He hailed from a distinguished family and pursued studies in mathematics and philosophy in Athens under the tutelage of Ammonius. Throughout his life, Plutarch maintained close relationships with notable Roman figures, reflecting his integration into both Greek and Roman societies.His most renowned work, Parallel Lives, comprises a series of biographies pairing notable Greeks and Romans to highlight their moral virtues and vices. This collection offers profound insights into human nature and has significantly influenced Western literature and thought. Additionally, Plutarch's Moralia encompasses a diverse array of essays and speeches on ethical, religious, and philosophical topics, further showcasing his intellectual versatility.Beyond his literary contributions, Plutarch served as a priest at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, underscoring his active engagement in religious and civic life. He was also a vegetarian, reflecting his philosophical views on ethics and the treatment of animals. Plutarch's works continue to be studied for their rich historical content and enduring reflections on morality and human behavior.
