Praise of Folly
Newly Translated and Annotated - Also included Pope Julius Barred from Heaven, 'Epigram against Pope Julius II' and a selection of his Adages
Published on 12. September 2013
Book
Paperback/Softback
320 pages
978-1-84749-324-8 (ISBN)
Description
In addition to a sparkling modern translation of Praise of Folly, this volume also includes other works by Erasmus: Pope Julius Barred from Heaven, Epigram against Pope Julius II and a selection of his Adages. Together with the extensive annotation of the texts, these help to set Erasmus's masterpiece in an accessible context for the modern reader.
A central text of the Renaissance, Praise of Folly is an essential part of the Western canon, without which much that has followed - in culture, theology and literature - would not exist. Deeply subversive in its time, the book, after the initial controversy it created, finally gained acceptance as theologians, philosophers and readers came to appreciate Erasmus's lucid, playful and eloquent reasoning.
A central text of the Renaissance, Praise of Folly is an essential part of the Western canon, without which much that has followed - in culture, theology and literature - would not exist. Deeply subversive in its time, the book, after the initial controversy it created, finally gained acceptance as theologians, philosophers and readers came to appreciate Erasmus's lucid, playful and eloquent reasoning.
Reviews / Votes
Erasmus searched for reconciliation between Faith and Reason, refusing not only the dogmas of Faith, but the dogmas of Reason as well. -- Carlos Fuentes Praise of Folly, still a masterpiece of slyly subversive wit, was in a sense the first best-seller, read covertly under desks and sniggered over by countless trainee monks and priests. -- Nicholas Lezard * The Guardian * I am well aware that what I have had to say on the problem of peace is not essentially new. It is my profound conviction that the solution lies in our rejecting war for an ethical reason; namely, that war makes us guilty of the crime of inhumanity. Erasmus of Rotterdam and several others after him have already proclaimed this as the truth around which we should rally. -- Albert Schweitzer in his 1952 Nobel Peace Prize lecture From the terrible hate storm of his age Erasmus has salvaged this intellectual gem, his faith in humanity, and on this small burning wick Spinoza, Lessing and Voltaire - and all Europeans past and present - could light their torch. -- Stefan ZweigMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Richmond
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Alma Books Ltd
Dimensions
Height: 127 mm
Width: 197 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
352 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84749-324-8 (9781847493248)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Previous edition
Desiderius Erasmus
Praise of Folly
Book
01/2008
Alma Classics
€11.95
Article exhausted; check for reprint
Persons
Desiderius Erasmus (1469-1536) devoted his life to the study of theology and the defence of Christian ideals. He rose to a prominent position in the Church, and achieved fame for his writings. He played an important part in history by fostering the intellectual climate for the Reformation, and many of his ideas have a legacy which endures to the present day.