16th-century classic by brilliant humanist, churchman and scholar envisioned a patriarchal island kingdom that practiced religious tolerance, in which everybody worked, all goods were community-owned, and violence, bloodshed and vice were nonexistent. Forerunner of many later attempts at establishing "Utopias" both in theory and in practice.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Stirring reflections on the human condition provide a fascinating glimpse into the mind and personality of a highly principled Roman warrior and emperor of the 2nd century.
In Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus Witty, influential work by one of the great Renaissance scholars satirizes the shortcomings of the upper classes and religious institutions. A clever mix of drollery and fantasy, the work endures as a classic.
Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Delightfully humorous account of a feminist utopia in which 3 male explorers stumble upon an all-female society. An early-20th-century writer's once-unconventional views on male-female behavior, motherhood, individuality, other topics.
Looking Backward by Edward Bellamy Stimulating, thought-provoking utopian fantasy about a young man who's put into a hypnotic trance in the late 19th century and awakens in the year 2000 to find crime, war, and want nonexistent.
Erewhon by Samuel Butler Erewhon (an anagram for "nowhere") is a faraway land where machinery is forbidden, sickness is a crime, and criminals receive compassionate medical treatment. Butler's brilliant Utopian novel is an entertaining and thought-provoking work.
Candide by Voltaire, Francois-Marie Arouet One of the world's great satires since its first publication in 1759. Witty, caustic skewering of romance, science, philosophy, religion, government — nearly all human ideals and institutions.
