Utopia
Thomas More

First printed in 1516, Utopia is supposedly a satire on European, and especially English, political structure. It does contain a few clear barbs at national vices and corruptions (which are appicable even today). I couldn't decide, however, if More was recommending the socialistic society he described, or if he was simply using that as a vehicle for his observations.

The Utopians have commendable aspects to their way of life, such as caring well for the sick, having multi-generational households, mixing young and old in their religious ceremonies, and generally minding their own business as a nation. On the other hand, children are treated as state property in certain cases, euthanasia is encouraged for the seriously ill, and they have a lewd prenuptial custom.

Though it had interesting elements, I did not find this book particularly uplifting.