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William Roper (1496-1578) was an esteemed English biographer and lawyer, best known for his intimate and eloquent account of his father-in-law, Sir Thomas More. 'The Life of Sir Thomas More' stands as a testament to Roper's literary prowess, offering a deeply personal portrayal of the statesman, scholar, and famously martyred Lord Chancellor of England. Born in Kent, Roper pursued legal studies at one of the Inns of Court and subsequently entered Parliament. His marriage to Margaret, More's beloved daughter, granted him an invaluable perspective on More's character, faith, and career, all of which are meticulously chronicled in his work. Roper's biography is not only significant for its subject matter but also for its contribution to Tudor historiography and its early employment of the English vernacular in a literary context. While Roper wrote during the Reformation, a period marked by religious turbulence and political upheaval, his depiction of More remains notable for its balance of warmth and critical insight, thus offering a multi-faceted picture of a renowned Renaissance humanist. His narrative, replete with anecdotes and personal reflections, has been instrumental for historians and literary scholars in understanding the complexities of More's life and times, as well as the nature of sainthood and loyalty to conscience within an ever-changing political landscape. |