In this engaging discussion, Dr. Joanne Paul, a Professor in Intellectual History and author of 'Thomas More, A Life and Death in Tudor England,' delves into the complexities of Thomas More's life. She examines his dual portrayal as a saintly figure and a controversial zealot, unraveling his profound influence on modern Europe. The conversation also highlights More's personal tragedies, his political rise under Henry VIII, and the societal tensions of his time, including the May Day riots. Join them as they navigate More's legacy, from 'Utopia' to his tragic downfall.
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insights INSIGHT
More's Complex Legacy
Thomas More's legacy is deeply split between two extremes: a saintly hero and a cruel villain.
His life and impact are more complex and nuanced than these polarized portrayals suggest.
insights INSIGHT
More's Humble Origins
More came from a modest London family involved in law and trade guilds, not wealth or nobility.
His education at a free grammar school laid the foundation for his mastery of Latin and rhetoric.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Early Patronage Boosted More
At age 12, More began serving Archbishop John Morton, gaining exposure to court politics.
Morton secured More's further education at Oxford, crucial for his humanist scholarship.
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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.
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].
A Man for All Seasons
Robert BOLT
The play, written by Robert Bolt, depicts the final years of Sir Thomas More, the 16th-century Lord Chancellor of England. It explores More's principled stance against King Henry VIII's desire to divorce Catherine of Aragon and his refusal to sign the Oath of Supremacy, declaring Henry the Supreme Head of the Church of England. The play delves into themes of conscience, identity, and the conflict between personal beliefs and political pressures. It follows More's journey from his position of power to his eventual execution, highlighting his unwavering commitment to his principles despite the severe consequences[4][5][1].
The Praise of Folly
The Praise of Folly
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Erasmus
Erasmus's "The Praise of Folly" is a satirical masterpiece that cleverly critiques societal norms and human folly. Written in Latin, the work uses humor and wit to expose hypocrisy and ignorance. Folly herself acts as the narrator, praising her own virtues and highlighting the flaws of those who claim wisdom. The book's enduring appeal lies in its timeless observations on human nature and its ability to provoke thought and laughter. Erasmus's work remains relevant today, offering a satirical lens through which to examine contemporary society.
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].
Thomas More is one of the most famous and controversial figures in English history. Was he truly the saintly man of conscience, immortalised by A Man for All Seasons? Or was he the stubborn zealot depicted in Wolf Hall? In the first of two episodes looking at Thomas More's rise and fall, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb is joined by Dr. Joanne Paul, whose decade-long research into More drew upon new archival discoveries to unravel his complex legacy, his profound influence on modern Europe, the enduring debates about his faith and politics, and why his story still matters.
Presented by Professor Suzannah Lipscomb. The researcher is Alice Smith, audio editor is Amy Haddow and the producer is Rob Weinberg. The senior producer is Anne-Marie Luff.
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Not Just the Tudors 
