The Praise of Folly

by Desiderius Erasmus Narrated by Anna Simon

Overview

In Praise of Folly, also translated as The Praise of Folly, is an essay written in Latin in 1509 by Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam and first printed in June 1511. Inspired by previous works of the Italian humanist Faustino Perisauli De Triumpho Stultitiae, it is a satirical attack on superstitions, other traditions of European society and on the Western Church.

Erasmus revised and extended his work, which was originally written in the space of a week while sojourning with Sir Thomas More at More's house in Bucklersbury in the City of London. The title Moriae Encomium had a punning second meaning as In Praise of More. In Praise of Folly is considered one of the most notable works of the Renaissance and played an important role in the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

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 Zweig

Journal of Philosophy

Erasmus's Praise of Folly is certainly one of the most characteristic and delightful pieces of Renaissance literature and has rightly enjoyed a wide popularity. . . . This handsome volume will certainly please the student as well as the general reader.

J. Modern Language Quarterly

The scholarship and grace of Hudson's translation and introduction assure that the book will be accepted as the standard English version.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940178659113
Publisher:	FILROUGEVICEVERSA
Publication date:	01/15/2022
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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