The Correspondence of Erasmus

This volume of The Correspondence of Erasmus reveals the letters that shaped his influential career during a pivotal period of his life.

In The Correspondence of Erasmus, readers are presented with a rich collection of one hundred and fifty-one letters from the period between August 1514 and August 1516. These letters vary widely in tone and purpose, ranging from quick personal notes to more elaborate formal treatises, showcasing Erasmus' evolving thoughts and relationships during a pivotal time in his life. This volume includes a previously unpublished letter, adding a unique element to the understanding of Erasmus as a thinker and correspondent.

This collection not only highlights the breadth of Erasmus' correspondence but also marks a significant transition in his career. The letters coincide with his departure from England and his rising prominence on the European intellectual stage. Through these correspondences, readers gain insight into the mature Erasmus, who appears confident and poised for the future. The letters serve as a window into his mind and the scholarly community that surrounded him during this transformative period.

As Erasmus settled in Basel, he formed a crucial partnership with the printer Froben, whose press would become instrumental in publishing some of Erasmus' most important works. The volume captures the essence of Erasmus' contributions to European learning, including his revised Adagiorum chiliades and the new edition of the New Testament. As noted by P.S. Allen, this was a time when Erasmus had reached the pinnacle of his influence, leading a group of scholars and utilizing the resources at his disposal to achieve unprecedented academic success.