Who was Thomas More? Interview with Dr. Joanne Paul

Jun 26, 2025

Dr. Joanne Paul, an Honorary Associate Professor in Intellectual History and author of 'Thomas More: A Life', explores the enigmatic figure of Thomas More. She discusses how More's tumultuous childhood in Tudor England shaped his views on authority and morality. The conversation dives into the complexities of his roles as a statesman, martyr, and persecutor. Paul also examines the subjective nature of historical narratives and the interplay between humanism and community in transforming identities during the Reformation.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Books

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

The Complex Identity of Thomas More

Thomas More embodies multiple conflicting roles: scholar, statesman, persecutor, and saint.
His complexity mirrors the tumultuous era he lived in, making him relevant even today.

INSIGHT

More's Childhood Shapes His Beliefs

Understanding More's childhood amidst the Wars of the Roses reveals formative influences on his later beliefs.
Early historical events shaped his worldview and fears about political instability.

INSIGHT

Reevaluating More's Birthplace

Critical assessment of sources reveals More was likely born in Cripplegate, not Milk Street as traditionally claimed.
Posthumous biographies often distort facts, so contemporary documents provide a clearer picture.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Thomas More

John Guy

The House of Dudley

A New History of Tudor England

Joanne Paul

Joanne Paul's 'The House of Dudley' provides a thrilling narrative of the Dudley family's intricate involvement with the Tudor dynasty. The book delves into the family's strategic marriages, political maneuvers, and tragic downfalls, offering a unique perspective on Tudor history. From Edmund Dudley's rise under Henry VII to Robert Dudley's influence on Elizabeth I, the book explores the family's relentless pursuit of power and their ultimate failures.

Summer of Blood

Dan Jones

Thomas More, A Life and Death in Tudor England

Joanne Paul

Utopia

Sir Thomas More

Written in 1516, 'Utopia' by Sir Thomas More is a seminal work of fiction that presents an ideal society on a fictional island. The book is divided into two parts: the first critiques the social and economic issues of early 16th-century England, while the second introduces the Utopian society as a potential solution. Utopia is characterized by communal property, no class distinctions or poverty, little crime, religious freedom, and a strict egalitarian system. More uses this imaginary society to highlight the flaws of European politics and society of his time, advocating for a more just and equal world. The work is notable for its influence on later socialist and communist thought and continues to be a subject of discussion in political theory and philosophy[1][3][4].

Wolf Hall

Hilary Mantel

Set during the English Reformation, 'Wolf Hall' brings to life the opulent and brutal world of the Tudors. The novel focuses on Thomas Cromwell, who rises from humble origins to become a powerful advisor to King Henry VIII. It explores themes of ambition, power, politics, religion, identity, and loyalty and betrayal, all set against the backdrop of Henry VIII's desire to marry Anne Boleyn and break from the Roman Catholic Church. Mantel's vivid imagery and sensory details create a rich sense of time and place, making historical characters relatable to contemporary readers[3][4][5].