This classic was written by St. Thomas More with a piece of charcoal in 1534 during his imprisonment in the infamous Tower of London. Moved by the certainty that he would be executed, More developed as his chief thesis the notion that tribulations are really blessings in disguise because they inspire men to seek God, prevent their falling into sin, or test their patience. Despite its deeply serious theme, the work is spiced with witty anecdotes, exciting debate, autobiographical revelations, and pungent commentary on the political machinations of Henry VIII and company. Based on the 1557 Rastell edition, the present volume features a skillful abridgment which retains More's style and thought while providing modern spelling and punctuation. In addition to his introduction, which offers a perceptive discussion of the historical context of More's work, the editor has contributed a valuable chronology of More's life, a glossary of archaisms, a brief synopsis, and a selected bibliography.