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Primary sourceBook1511 (written 1509)

In Praise of Folly

Erasmus · 1511 (written 1509)

Erasmus's famous satire, written at Thomas More's house, mocking monks, theologians and popes while calling for a simpler, inward Christianity.

Erasmus's most famous satirical work, written by him and central to his humanist reputation.

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Page from a 16th-century printed Latin book with a pen-and-ink marginal drawing at upper left of a figure in a hooded garment holding up a small figure of a man, with handwritten Latin notes and a printed column of Latin and Greek text beside it. The handwritten annotation reads 'Vere nobiles qui' at the top.
Desiderius Erasmus, In Praise of Folly, printed 1511. Page with marginal annotation.

About this source

What it is

In Praise of Folly is a satirical oration written in Latin by Desiderius Erasmus, first printed in 1511. Erasmus said he wrote it while staying at the London house of his friend Sir Thomas More. The work is spoken by the goddess Folly, who praises herself and mocks every part of society, from princes to priests.

Why it matters

The book is one of the most famous works of the Renaissance and influenced the early Reformation, even though Erasmus remained a loyal Catholic. Its title plays on the name of Erasmus's friend Thomas More. It shows Erasmus's humanist belief that true Christianity should be simple and inward, not tied up in superstition or corrupt church practices.

Look closer

  • Why might Erasmus have chosen a joke-filled satire, rather than a serious treatise, to criticise the church?
  • What does the friendship with Thomas More suggest about the circles Erasmus moved in?
  • What parts of society does Folly mock, and what does that tell you about Erasmus's own concerns?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Desiderius Erasmus on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Title page of the 1516 Basel edition of Erasmus's Novum Instrumentum omne, in black letter and roman type, with large capitals NOVVM IN at top, a printer's woodcut device in the center, and a printed privilege notice at the bottom. Text is in Latin.Book

Primary source

Novum Instrumentum omne

Erasmus · 1516

Title page of a 1524 book printed in Basel. Text reads 'De libero arbitrio diatribe sive collatio, Desiderii Erasmi Roterod', with 'Primum legito deinde iudicato' below, a printer's ornament, and 'Basileae apud Ioannem Frobenium, Anno M.D.XXIIII. Mense Septembri.' at the bottom.Book

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De libero arbitrio diatribe sive collatio

Erasmus · 1524

Scan of the title page of a 1525 book, with an ornate woodcut border of architectural arches and foliage. Central text reads 'DE SERVO ARBITRIO MARTINI Lutheri ad D. Erasmum Roterodamum' and 'Vvittembergae 1525', with a winged cherub holding a shield marked with a monogram at the bottom. A circular library stamp reads 'Ex Bibl. Paulina Monast.' and handwritten notes appear at top and right.Book

Primary source

On the Bondage of the Will

Martin Luther · 1525

Oil painting of an older man with grey hair wearing a black cap and dark fur-trimmed robe, resting his hands on a red book with gold lettering and green ribbon markers. A green curtain and carved pilaster stand behind him, with books and a glass bottle on a shelf at right.Painting

Primary source

Erasmus

Hans Holbein the Younger · 1523

Painting of a man in profile wearing a black flat cap and dark robe, writing with a quill on a sheet of paper resting on a book. He wears rings on his hand. Behind him is a dark patterned textile hanging with red and gold motifs.Painting

Primary source

Portrait of Erasmus Writing

Hans Holbein the Younger · 1528

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