100,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock πŸ‡³πŸ‡Ώ

Enjoy overnight NZ-wide delivery from our NZ-owned independent bookstore! πŸŽ‰

Praise of Folly

3.83 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 19,928 ratings, 1,312 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus is a satirical work where Folly, personified as a lively and humorous figure, praises herself and mocks the foolishness prevalent in society. The narrative cleverly critiques various societal, religious, and academic institutions, highlighting human weaknesses with wit and irony. Through Folly's playful yet insightful monologue, Erasmus offers a profound commentary on the contradictions and absurdities of human nature and the world.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2400
Elsewhere:
$2600
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This delightful satire offers a humorous critique of the societal and religious practices of the early 16th century. You may enjoy it if you appreciate witty commentary woven with classical references and insights into human folly. It's perfect for those interested in the intersection of philosophy, religion, and humour.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Erasmus ranges from light-hearted jibes to vehement denunciation of the theologians and churchmen, monastic life and the condition of the Church, and then seriously expounds the virtues of the Christian way of life. This work is one of the best satirical classics of the Renaissance.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Erasmus of Rotterdam (c. 1466–1536) is one of the greatest figures of the Renaissance humanist movement, which abandoned medieval pieties in favour of a rich new vision of the individual's potential.

Praise of Folly, written to amuse his friend Sir Thomas More, is Erasmus's best-known work. Its dazzling mixture of fantasy and satire is narrated by a personification of Folly, dressed as a jester, who celebrates youth, pleasure, drunkenness, and sexual desire, and goes on to lambast human pretensions, foibles, and frailties, to mock theologians and monks, and to praise the folly of simple Christian piety.

Erasmus's wit, wordplay, and wisdom made the book an instant success, but it also attracted what may have been sales-boosting criticism. The Letter to Maarten van Dorp, which is a defence of his ideas and methods, is also included.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praise of Folly by Desiderius Erasmus is a celebrated work known for its sharp satire and critique of societal and religious norms of the time. Reviewers often highlight its clever wit and enduring relevance as Erasmus uses the personification of Folly to offer insightful commentary on human vanities. The text's humour and the author's brilliant use of irony are praised, making it a classic in both religious and literary circles.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140446081

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 25 November 1993

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Betty Radice
  • Introduction by A. Levi
  • Notes by A. Levi

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 15.0mm

Width: 131.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 192g

Pages: 256

About the Author

Desiderius Erasmus, born about 1469, went to school at Gouda, Utrecht and Deventer. He became the most famous humanist of the Northern Renaissance. Erasmus travelled widely, and his thought was particularly influential in England, where he became a close friend of Thomas More. He died in Basle in 1536. Betty Radice became joint editor of the Penguin Classics in 1964, and translated from the Latin, Greek and Italian. She was an honorary fellow of St Hilda's College, Oxford. She died in 1983. A.H.T. Levi was Buchanan Professor of French Language and Literature at the University of St Andrews and has published extensively on the Renaissance.

Also by Desiderius Erasmus

View all
  • Discourse on Free Will
    Desiderius Erasmus (1466/9-1536) was the most renowned scholar of his age, a celebrated humanist and Classicist, and the first teacher of Greek at Cambridge. An influential figure in the Protestant Reformation, though without ever breaking from the Church himself, he satirised both human folly and the corruption of the Church. Martin Luther (1483-1546) was the founder of the German Reformation....
    Paperback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 4-6 weeks

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • New Release
    2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include:Β β€’ 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open)Β β€’ Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • New Release
    Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith
    From the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy – an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back to faith. Communion is a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons ofΒ life JD Vance has experienced – as a child, a young man,...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faithβ€”the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Braiding Sweetgrass
    Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer is a graceful and illuminating study of the wisdom of the natural world, bringing together the knowledge of modern science with the teachings of Indigenous cultures. At its heart, the book explores the interconnectedness between humans and nature, offering profound insights on how this relationship can foster a deeper ecological consciousness. As a botanist...
    Paperback
    $2200
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Heroes
    Heroes by Stephen Fry is an enthralling journey into the heart of ancient Greek mythology, brought to life with Fry's signature wit and intelligence. This dazzling companion volume to the bestselling Mythos recounts the breath-taking exploits of some of the most legendary figures in Greek lore, showcasing the timeless tales of bravery, cunning, and adventure. In Fry's masterful retelling, readers...
    Paperback
    $2600
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover
    The Orthodox Study Bible, Hardcover is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of the Scriptures through the lens of ancient Christian traditions. This comprehensive study Bible represents a groundbreaking effort to present the Bible of the early church to the modern world, reflecting the rich heritage and profound spiritual wisdom of Orthodox Christianity, which is the...
    Hardback
    $5999
    Elsewhere:
    $7000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • KJV Holy Bible: Economy Paperback: Beautiful. Trustworthy. Timeless, Comfort Print: King James Version
    The full text of the KJV with extra helps is an excellent Bible for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God. The King James Version of the Bible is the bestselling and most-read English translation of all time. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word through...
    Paperback
    $900
    Elsewhere:
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Troy
    The city of Troy has long been a beacon of legend and myth, and in Stephen Fry's Troy, the timeless story of love and war is brought to life with a vivid blend of wit, insight, and meticulous detail. At its heart is the kidnapping of Helen, a queen whose beauty is so enchanting that her abduction by Paris of...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $3000
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Screwtape Letters
    A milestone in the history of popular theology, The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis is an iconic classic on spiritual warfare and the power of the devil. This profound and striking narrative unfolds as a series of captivating letters penned by Screwtape, a senior devil in the Infernal Civil Service, to his eager but inexperienced nephew, Wormwood. Wormwood is...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • On Sale
    14% off
    The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.