French Utopias: An Anthology of Ideal Societies

“French Utopias” is an anthology of excerpts from the writings of French Utopian philosophers – specifically, their descriptions of theoretical “utopias”. The book moves chronologically through history, starting with accounts from the 14th century, and ending in the 20th. Comparing these accounts allows the reader to see how the concept of utopia (and the application of this concept) has changed over the centuries. The book’s introduction points out some of the key differences in the narratives as the concept of utopia evolves through history, and the editors also offer a brief biographical introduction to the authors, supplying a historical context for each individual work. This book is an excellent treatment of the French philosophers’ views of utopia, and how they have evolved over the centuries.

Ed. Frank E. Manuel. French Utopias: An Anthology of Ideal Societies. New York: The Free Press, 1966.