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Desiderius Erasmus
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Publisher | Oneworld Classics | ||
ISBN | 978-184749010 | ||
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Reviewer
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Vicky
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Synopsis
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".
Review
There are many versions of this classic book but I prefer this Oneworld edtion because the translation by Roger Clarke is quite magnificant. He draws you into the story from page one, and brings out the quite brilliant humour of Desidrius Erasmnus.
It is wonderful to see how Erasmus pokes fun at religion and authority in a very irreverant way - in fact this book was put on the Index of Forbidden books by the Council of Trent in 1995 - a full forty years after it was published!
I loved this book that comes along with Pope Julius Barred from Heaven and Nine Adages - it made me laugh out loud several times, especially when you realise that nothing has changed since 1509!
There are copious notes and appendages to give you an understanding of what Erasmus was talking about and an indepth expose of Pope Julius.
I more than highly recommend this book.
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