ERASMUS in PRAISE of FOLLYIllustrated with many curious CUTS, Designed, Drawn, and Etched by Hans Holbein, With Portrait, LIFE OF ERASMUS, And His Epistle addressed to Sir Thomas More.
London: Reeves & Turner, 196, Strand, W.C. 1876.
--------------------------------------------
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (c.1466-1536), commonly known in English as Erasmus of Rotterdam or simply Erasmus, was a Dutch humanist, Christian theologian, and philosopher. He was, through his writings, one of the most influential scholars of the Northern Renaissance and a major figure of Western culture. Erasmus was an important figure in classical scholarship who wrote in a spontaneous, copious and natural Latin style.
"In Praise of Folly" is a significant satirical work written by Desiderius Erasmus and published in 1509. This book is a critical examination of various societal norms, practices, and the Church, presented through the voice of Folly, who personifies foolishness.
Key themes:
- Critique of the Church: Erasmus aims to highlight the corruption within the Church and its clergy, critiquing their practices and beliefs.
- Human Nature: The text reflects on the folly inherent in human nature, suggesting that folly is a fundamental part of the human experience.
- Education and Knowledge: Erasmus champions the importance of education and intellectual growth, contrasting wisdom with ignorance.
Details:
- A full-leather rebind with new, attractive endpapers
- Black and red letter title-page
- Frontispiece portrait of Erasmus
- Illustrated throughout by Hans Holbein*
- Include 'The Life of Erasmus' and Erasmus's Epistle to Sir Thomas More**
- pp: xxiv, 206 plus A Poem on the foregoing work [1]
- Size: 205mm x 140mm x 50mm
- Weight: 1016g
- Printed: 1876
*Hans Holbein (c. 1497–1543) was a renowned German-Swiss painter and printmaker, best known for his portraits and depictions of the Northern Renaissance. Holbein's work is characterized by its detail, realism, and the use of symbolism.
**Sir Thomas More (1478–1535) was an English lawyer, humanist, and statesman, best known for his book "Utopia," which presents an idealized society and critiques contemporary European politics and religion. More is also remembered for his steadfast moral principles, especially regarding his opposition to King Henry VIII's break from the Catholic Church.
Condition:
A smart full-leather rebind with attractive endpapers; binding sound; leaves secure; leaves goldening with the occasional spot / stain; oval library stamp present to the reverse of each illustration and occasionally elsewhere; library details and numeracy to the the reverse of title-page.
A beautifully illustrated, useable volume, with a sturdy feel.
Please consult photographs fully as these are part of the description