The ABC-Clio World History Companion to Utopian Movements

Utopian ideas have had an impact on almost every area of life including political theory, science, psychology, society, the economy, literature, and culture. The idea of utopia has evolved and taken many forms since Sir Thomas More coined the word in 1516. Originating with Greek philosophers, the concept has evolved into a distinctly Western notion relating to progress or improvement dating from the Renaissance. This work selectively covers in an A-to-Z format utopian thought and movements globally from 1450 to the present. Emphasizing western utopian thought, this volume also covers utopian thought in eastern cultures such as China where western ideas have infiltrated. Included are significant movements and sects, settlements and communes, and legislation related to the utopian phenomenon. An introduction, numerous cross-references, bibliographic citations, a chronology, and a subject index complete this unique work, which will be of interest to students, teachers, and general readers alike.