"In Praise of Folly" is a seminal work by Desiderius Erasmus that employs satire to critique the societal norms and practices of his time. Through the voice of Folly, Erasmus personifies foolishness, presenting it as a necessary aspect of human existence. The text explores themes of ignorance, vanity, and the folly of human behavior, challenging the reader to reflect on the absurdities of life. Erasmus's sharp wit and eloquent prose invite readers to reconsider the values and beliefs that ...

A classic anti-war essay from the mid-1500s. Erasmus gives elegant arguments against war from both religious (Christian) and logical (economic, practical) points of view. He seems particularly alarmed and confused by Christians fighting wars with Christians. The problem, of course, is that people waging war only consider religious or logical reasons when they are looking for excuses to wage war. This edition has been fully restored with modern typesetting, custom cover design.

Erasmus’ thorough engagement with the New Testament, in particular his revision of the Vulgate translation, aroused much controversy, especially in the orthodox Roman Catholic country of Spain. Erasmus had to fight fierce polemics with several people, including two Spanish scholars, Diego López Zúñiga and Sancho Carranza de Miranda, who were both connected to the University of Alcalà. This quarrel lasted from 1520 to 1524, with a late response by Erasmus in 1529. The discussion started as ...

These volumes are the first in a series containing works by Erasmus 'that concern literature and education': interests which to him were scarcely separable. The aim of Erasmian education was a civilized life, expressed in Christian piety and the fulfilment of public and private duties and embellished by learning and literature. Towards these ends the soundest training for youth was what Erasmus often called bonne litterae, 'good letters,' a literary and rhetorical training based o...

Handbook of the Militant Christian (Latin: Enchiridion militis Christiani), which has also been translated as Handbook of a Christian Knight and The Manual of a Christian Knight, is a work written by Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam in 1503. First published in English in 1533 by William Tyndale, this is the 1962 English edition by John Patrick Dolan.During a stay in Tournehem, a castle near Saint-Omer in the north of modern-day France, Erasmus encountered an uncivilized...

Dutch thinker and theologian Desiderius Erasmus played a key role in the development of humanism during the Renaissance and early modern periods. In Against War, Erasmus mounts a stunningly lucid and detailed argument against armed combat on humanistic grounds. It's a must-read for anyone who has strong feelings about the moral and ethical dimensions of militaristic undertakings.

"The Praise of Folly" is a satirical work by Desiderius Erasmus that critiques the societal norms and practices of his time. Through the voice of Folly, a personification of foolishness, Erasmus humorously examines the absurdities of human behavior, including the vanity of scholars, the hypocrisy of religious leaders, and the folly of war. The text is both entertaining and thought-provoking, encouraging readers to reflect on the nature of wisdom and folly in their own lives, while also cha...

In Praise of Folly is an essay written in Latin in 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and first printed in 1511. Inspired by Italian humanist Faustino Perisauli's De Triumpho Stultitiae, it is a satirical attack on superstitions and other traditions of European society as well as on the western Church. Erasmus revised and extended the work, which he originally wrote in the space of a week while sojourning with Sir Thomas More at More's estate in Bucklersbury. In Praise of Folly is con...

In Praise of Folly is an essay written in Latin in 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and first printed in 1511. The essay was inspired by De Triumpho Stultitiae, written by the Italian humanist Faustino Perisauli, born at Tredozio, near Forlì.Erasmus revised and extended the work, which he originally wrote in the space of a week while sojourning with Sir Thomas More at More's estate in Bucklersbury. In Praise of Folly is considered one of the most notable works of the Renaissa...

The central theme of the essay is the personification of Folly as a wise, witty, and entertaining speaker who praises herself and her own influence. Through this personification, Erasmus uses satire to critique the folly and foolishness that he saw prevalent in society, particularly within the Church and among the clergy. Folly's speech is a blend of humor, irony, and sharp criticism, making it a powerful tool for societal commentary.Erasmus uses Folly's voice to expose various vices and f...

The Complete Works of Desiderius ErasmusThis Complete Collection includes the following titles:--------1 - The Colloquies of Erasmus, Volume I2 - A Merry Dialogue Declaringe the Properties of Shrowde Shrews and Honest Wives3 - Two Dyaloges (c. 1549)4 - The Pilgrimage of Pure Devotion5 - A Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the Epicure6 - Encomium artis medicae7 - De Lof der Zotheid8 - The Education of Chi...

In Praise of Folly is an essay written in Latin in 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and first printed in 1511. The essay was inspired by De Triumpho Stultitiae, written by the Italian humanist Faustino Perisauli, born at Tredozio, near Forlì. Erasmus revised and extended the work, which he originally wrote in the space of a week while sojourning with Sir Thomas More at More's estate in Bucklersbury. In Praise of Folly is considered one of the most notable works of the Renaissance an...