Erasmo da Rotterdam / Holbein - Eloge de la folie - 1735

A JOURNEY TO THE HEART OF HUMAN ABSURDITY
This timeless work stands out as a bold statement and highlights the absurdity of human life with extraordinary artistry.
A very original work in which, with ironic and at the same time extremely persuasive tones, Erasmus of Rotterdam addresses the unusual theme of Madness, to argue that she would be the true ruler of the entire civilization, but also of the existence of every man, ecclesiastic or secular, wise or ignorant, powerful or humble.
Text rich in classical allusions placed in the typical manner of the cultured humanists of the Renaissance. Madness is presented as one of the goddesses, daughter of drunkenness and ignorance.
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CONTENTS
The Praise of Folly (whose Greek title is Morías enkómion and Latin Stultitiae laus) , is an essay written in 1509 by Erasmus of Rotterdam and first printed in 1511.
This literary masterpiece by Erasmus of Rotterdam presents itself as a journey into the heart of human absurdity. Through a fusion of subtle humor and social criticism, Erasmus offers a whimsical eulogy of madness, exploring the paradoxical nature of life

Erasmus revised and expanded his work, originally written in a week, while staying with Thomas More (the author of Utopia) at his estate in Bucklersbury.
It is considered one of the works that had the greatest influence on the literature of the Western world and was one of the catalysts of the Reformation.
Text full of classical allusions placed in the typical manner of cultured Renaissance humanists. Madness is presented as one of the goddesses, daughter of drunkenness and ignorance; among his faithful companions we find Philautia (narcissism) , Kolakia (flattery) , Léthé (forgetfulness) , Misoponia (laziness) , Hedone (pleasure) , Anoia (vertigo) , Tryphe (irreflection) , Komos (intemperance) and Eegretos Hypnos (deep sleep) ".

The conception of madness expressed by Erasmus of Rotterdam on the one hand ends up excessively diminishing the role and importance of rationality in the context of human existence, and on the other it seems to differ from the most modern theories on the topic of madness, represented in decidedly less positive terms, such as an escape from reality, or an exclusion from society.

CONDITION REPORT
Contemporary full leather binding, few signs of wear. Figurative frontispiece. Title page printed in red and black, translation by Sir Gueudeville, includes some folding engravings as well as other half-page illustrations; pp. (2) ; 32nn. 312

FULL TITLES & AUTHORS
The eulogy of the folie, composed in the form of a declamation by Erasme (Erasmus Roterodamus) , and translated by Gueudeville, with the notes of Gerard Listre (Lister) , & the beautiful figures of Holbein: all on the original of the Académie de Bâle. Piece here represents in nature the man tout défiguré par la sotise. . .
In Amsterdam, chez Francois l'Honoré 1735
Erasme de Rotterdam
Gueudeville
Holbein

SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY
In praise of madness (seu laus stultitiae) , in Dictionary of Philosophy, Institute of the Italian Encyclopedia, 2009.
(EN) Praise of Folly, on Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica.
(EN) In Praise of Madness, on Goodreads.
The Machiavellian design of Erasmian "madness", on letters-philosophy.
Entry on Erasmus in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Commentary on the work, detailed summary on Litterator