L’éloge de la folie – Erasmus – 1735 | In Praise of Folly, Holbein Woodcuts

L’eloge de la folie, or In Praise of Folly, by Erasmus was a satirical attack on superstitions and other unconventional traditions in European society. Since its first edition in 1509, it has been considered one of the most important works of the Renaissance and helped develop early stages of the Protestant Reformation. Erasmus uses satire to examine doctrine and corruption within the Catholic Church, even though Erasmus was devoted deeply to Catholicism.

This 1735 Amsterdam edition was translated by Nicolas Gueudeville and features commentary of Gérard Listre. However, it is the bizarre artwork of Hans Holbein that make this edition most desirable; engravings depicting mythical and grotesque figures. The folding plate showing satyrs and cyclops is truly impressive.

Bibliographic Details

• Title: L’éloge de la folie
• Author(s): Desiderius Erasmus
• Illustrator(s): Hans Holbein
• Contributor(s): Nicolas Gueudeville (Translator); Gérard Listre (Notes)
• Publisher: Chez François l’Honoré, A Amsterdam
• Edition: 1735 edition
• Format: (16mo), single volume
• Binding: Original leather
• Size:  6.5in X 4in (16.5cm x 10cm)
• Collation: [26], 340, [20]
• Illustrations: 8 engraved plates (including frontispiece and engraved title page); 75 in-text woodcut engravings
• Contents Include:
  • Encomium Moriae (French translation)

Condition:

Very Good. Original leather binding with secure hinges and tight text block. Moderate loss at the corners. Plates and text complete and clean.

Why Collect This?

• Impressive, bizarre Hans Holbein art
• Includes all 75 engravings and 8 plates

Item Number: # 29007