The City of the Sun
The City of the Sun
Book Brief
Beta100
Novel • Fiction
Fantasy Island • 17th century
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The City of the Sun, Tommaso Campanella presents a dialogue between a sea captain and a guest describing an ideal, theocratic society. This utopia is governed by reason and communal living, prioritizing education, shared resources, and the common good, under the guidance of enlightened leaders called Metaphysicus, Pon, Sin, and Mor.
Contemplative
Informative
Inspirational
Fantastical
Reviews & Readership
2,806 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The City of the Sun by Tommaso Campanella is praised for its imaginative utopian vision, blending philosophy and theology. Critics admire its innovative societal concepts and vivid detail. However, some find its idealistic notions unrealistic and difficult to engage with due to outdated language. Overall, it remains an intriguing exploration of a perfect society.
Who Should Read The City of the Sun?
A reader who enjoys The City of the Sun by Tommaso Campanella typically appreciates philosophical utopias and social idealism. Fans of Plato's Republic or More's Utopia may find this work compelling due to its vision of a communal society that challenges conventional ideas of governance and social structure.
2,806 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The City of the Sun was written in 1602 while its author, Tommaso Campanella, was imprisoned; the book reflects his visionary ideas about a utopian society governed by philosopher-priests.
Campanella was deeply influenced by his Dominican background and the works of Plato, which is evident in the book's philosophical underpinnings and communal themes.
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This work is notable for its early advocacy of communal living and shared property, concepts which later appeared in various socialist and communist ideologies.
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100
Novel • Fiction
Fantasy Island • 17th century
2006
Adult
18+ years
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