The Search for Utopia in the Age of Enlightenment

The rare utopian works in Volume I of this collection (edited by Albert Soboul) range in date from 1677 to the later days of the Napoleonic era, with the large majority falling in the eighteenth century.

They are concerned with a wide range of subjects, including politics, economics, social questions, religion, the Church, education, marriage and roles of the sexes. Writers of diverse viewpoints and social backgrounds are represented and the format of the works varies from concrete proposals to fantastic voyages.

In the writings it is possible to discern an ideological progression from enlightened despotism to limited monarchy to virtual anarchy. Some clear precursors of later socialist and communist ideas are also present.

Authors represented in this collection include Andre de Ligneville, Coyer, Marivaux, Mercier, Tiphaigne de la Roche, and Tyssot de Patot. Please inquire for a complete title list.