Praise of Folly (Oneworld Classics) - Softcover

A satire on the intrinsic vanity of the social order and an exhortation towards a humanistic Christianity, Erasmus' "Praise of Folly" - written in 1509 and put on the Index of forbidden books by the Council of Trent in 1559 after becoming the greatest literary success of the "Humanistic Age" - is the towering achievement of one of the most brilliant minds of all time, and one of the most influential books ever written. Published here in a new translation by Roger Clarke which brings out the underlying humour of the original, Erasmus' masterpiece is presented in this volume with one of his lesser-known satirical dialogues, Pope Julius Barred from Heaven, and with a selection from his other great work, the "Adagia".

Desiderius Erasmus (1466 - 1536), a Dutch humanist and theologian, was born in Rotterdam. He was a dominant figure in classical literature. Erasmus combined his vast learning with a fine style characterized by humor, moderation, and tolerance. He hoped to reconcile the ancient faith with humanism by abandoning the scholastic method and devoting himself to a thorough study of the Scriptures. His works include "The Praise of Folly," and" Copia."