Moriæ Encomium: or, a Panegyrick Upon Folly. Written in Latin by Desiderius Erasmus [Erasmus’ Praise of Folly].

ERASMUS, Desiderius.

Item Number: 59075

London: Printed and Sold by J. Woodward, in Threadneedle Street, 1709.

Rare 1709 edition in English of Dutch Renaissance theologian Erasmus’ classic satire which influenced the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation. Octavo, bound in full period calf, gilt title to the spine, red spine label, raised bands, engraved frontispiece portrait and full page engravings by one of the greatest portraitists of the 16th century, Hans Holbein the Younger. In very good condition. Rare and desirable.

Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and social critic Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus first conceived of Praise of Folly in 1509, written as a satirical attack on the Western Church. He later revised and extended the work during a visit with Sir Thomas More at his home in London with the title "Moriae Encomium, In Praise of More In Praise of Folly." The book became one of the most popular works of the Renaissance and Erasmus' sharp critique of the practices of the Church played a role in the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation.