1_Introduction

Published by Thames & Hudson

From classical times to the present day, this highly illustrated book surveys the enduring human need to imagine and construct ideal worlds. Gregory Claeys, a leading scholar in the field, surveys the influence of the idea of utopia on history, literature, art, architecture and religious and political thought, and covers the most significant utopias throughout history, whether envisaged or actually attempted. Complete with a wealth of photographs, paintings, engravings, maps, documents, posters and film stills, the book is a compelling exploration of the rich diversity of the utopian imagination.