Utopia, fact or fiction?

At periodic intervals during historical or literary analysis a new theory arises that forces a re-evaluation of long-held opinions. That Utopia is factual not fictional is one such theory. Perhaps because More's text was written before Mexico was 'officially' discovered no previous study of Utopia has attempted to establish a factual New World basis for this ideal state. Here, Lorainne Stobbart seeks to argue that the Maya of Central America provided that basis and, in doing so, she compels the reader to examine both the unquestioning acceptance of official historic dating and the possible motives and reasons for accepting Utopia as a fictional work for over four hundred and fifty years. The author investigates the remarkably large number of features both societies shared, including similarities in local government, religion, social customs, trade and urban life, leading to the conclusion that More did, indeed, have access to information on Mayan life and culture. Many scholars in both historical and literary circles may find themselves disagreeing with this controversial work, but they will, like future analysts, find it difficult to ignore.