Erasmus Writes In Praise of Folly

1509

Crossing the Alps to visit Thomas More in London, the Dutch humanist Erasmus composed a satirical oration in the voice of Folly herself, mocking monks, theologians, and pompous kings. Printed in Paris two years later, the book became the century's funniest bestseller and quietly undermined the Church. The dedication to Thomas More, whose surname punned with the Greek word for fool, reflected their deep humanist friendship.