”In Praise of Folly” is perhaps Erasmus’ most popular and enduring work. Written at a low point in his life, this was written to entertain his good friend, Thomas More. Much of it is ironic commentary on the state of the Church at the time. It was translated into several languages including English. This particular translation, while not the first, contains many illustrations “from the Designs of the celebrated Hans Holbeine.” Including Several Fold Outs intact and in very good condition. Translated by W. Kennett of S. Edm. Hall, Oxon. Now Lord Bishop of Peterborough.
Good Condition: 12mo, front board off but present, some scuffing to the top and bottom of spine, pretty impressed design of rectangle in center with little triangle motifs surrounding while each corner has a tulip shape facing out from the edge of an impressed border, repeated on both boards. Spine has gilt bands and lettering spelling title and author along with date. Illustrations, both fold outs and in-text along with full page including portrait of Erasmus at front. It looks like Sir Thomas has been removed as it is neatly cut away across from Erasmus. “Moriae Encomium or, The Praise of Folly. Made English from the Latin of Erasmus. By W. Kennett of S. Edm Hall, Oxon, now Lord Bishop of Peterborough. Adorn’d with forty six copper Plates and the Effigies of Erasmus and Sir Thomas More: all neatly engraved from the designs of the celebrated Hans Holbeine”. “To which is prefix’d A Preface by the Translator and divers Copies of Commendatory Verses. The Fourth Edition”. London: Printed for J. Wilford, at the Three Flower de Luces In LIttle Britain. 1724.
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