Overview

This book, as much a work of history as a biography, is a masterful reconstruction of the life and imagination of one of the most remarkable figures in history. Thomas More (1478-1535) was a renowned statesman; the author of a political treatise, Utopia, that gave a political worldview; and, most famously, a Catholic martyr and saint. Born into the professional classes, Thomas More applied his formidable intellect and well-placed connections to become the most powerful man in England, second only to the king. In reconstructing the life of Thomas More, Peter Ackroyd provides an unmatched portrait of the everyday, religious, and intellectual life of the early sixteenth century. More emerges in the fullness of his complex humanity, with unexpected characteristics--such as his preference for bawdy humor--and indisputable moral courage.

Full Product Details

9780786102686

Table of Contents

Reviews

""[A] masterly new biography. It must be a candidate for book of the year."" -- ""Observer (London)"" ""A limpidly written and superbly wrought portrait of a complex hero who was truly, as his friend Erasmus stated, 'omnium horarum homo, ' a 'man for all seasons.'"" -- ""Kirkus Reviews"" ""A sensitive, well-informed work that will be of value to anyone seeking a deeper knowledge of More's personal history."" -- ""Wall Street Journal"" ""As a biographer of More, Ackroyd is also an effective novelist. He evokes late-medieval London in sight and in smell."" -- ""Publishers Weekly"" ""Brilliantly conceived...Ackroyd's vividly human More is...imperfect yet inspiring."" -- ""Time"" ""Davidson's donnish reading accentuates Ackroyd's erudition and dry wit, but also serves to convey the underlying tension between intellectual ferment and abiding tradition that is the true drama in this story."" -- ""AudioFile"" ""Full of brilliant insight...one stands in awe of Ackroyd's learning, confident that this is the life of Thomas More for our times."" -- ""Independent on Sunday (London)"" ""Vibrant...inspired...Ackroyd successfully delineates the vast complexity of More's faith...[He] persuasively argues that [More was] less a man for all seasons, perhaps, than a tonic for ours."" -- ""New York Times Book Review""

Author Information

Peter Ackroyd is an award-winning novelist, as well as a broadcaster, biographer, poet, and historian. He is the author of the acclaimed Thames: Sacred River, London: The Biography, and the first and second volumes of his history of England series, Foundation and Tudors. He holds a CBE award for services to literature. Frederick Davidson (1932-2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile's Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available