Thomas More

Full Name: Sir Thomas More, also known as Saint Thomas More
Profession: Philosopher, Renaissance Humanist and Statesman

Biography: Thomas More was an English philosopher and statesman who served Henry VIII as Lord High Chancellor of England (1529-1532). He is also known for publishing Utopia (1516), in which More provided a fictional treatment of the details for a political system of an imaginary island state.

The title of this book, Utopia, has since entered into the lexicon. This book describes a fictional utopian state and details the various customs of this island nation. More frames this with the first part of the book detailing the problems of 16th-century Catholicism, and the second offering this island as a fictional solution.

More was vehemently opposed to the Protestant Reformation, writing polemics in support of the Catholic perspective and opposing such names as Martin Luther and John Calvin. While More served Henry VIII, he ultimately opposed the separation of the Church of England and refused to recognize Henry VIII by the Oath of Supremacy—for which he was executed.

Born: February 7, 1478
Birthplace: London, England
Star Sign: Aquarius

Died: July 6, 1535 (aged 57)
Cause of Death: Beheaded and executed by Henry VIII for treason