ABSTRACT
The experience of utopianism is evaluated: first, the main characteristics are noted and classified into different types of Utopian experience, and then some of the negative and positive outcomes are assessed. Of Utopia in theory, a threefold classification can embrace the range of ideas considered in England in this period. The first type of Utopia is where there is a total vision of perfection. A second type of Utopia is partial or quasi in its scope. This is where perfection is visualized, but only for an aspect of society. Finally, a third type of utopia is oppositional, complete in its application but only to deride the very concept: this is the anti utopia. Most communities derived from Utopian ideas were, in fact, partial in their scope, addressing just one or more aspects of society. Many of the Utopian writings attracted little attention at the time, and communities were largely ineffectual.
