Erasmus of Rotterdam

"Christine Christ-von Wedel's careful research and penetrating analysis have produced a study with many gems and that throws new light on Erasmus' work. She demonstrates an impressive knowledge of theology, not only of Erasmus' time, but also of preceding periods. The Erasmus she presents is a devout Christian and a critical thinker, uncompromising in his search for the truth, to the point of freely conceding ambiguities that prove to be irresolvable." -- Peter G. Bietenholz, Professor Emeritus, Department of History, University of Saskatchewan "A stimulating and important book, Erasmus of Rotterdam is a valuable contribution to Erasmus and early modern studies. Christine Christ-von Wedel's range of scholarship is most impressive." -- Jane Phillips, Professor of Classics, Department of Modern and Classical Languages, University of Kentucky "Erasmus of Rotterdam is an admirable, intellectually stimulating introduction to Erasmus' theology. Adding a fresh and clear voice to the chorus of scholars who have brought us biographies of Erasmus, it will resonate with and shape a new generation of Erasmus scholars." -- Hilmar Pabel, Department of History, Simon Fraser University

Combining a biography of Erasmus with the larger theological debates and the intellectual history of his time, Christine Christ-von Wedel reveals many of previously unexplored influences on Erasmus, as well as his influences on his contemporaries.

This book provides the first analysis of the development of Erasmus’ historical methodology and its impact on Roman Catholic and Protestant theologians. Combining a biography of Erasmus with the larger theological debates and the intellectual history of his time, Christine Christ-von Wedel reveals many of previously unexplored influences on Erasmus, as well as his influences on his contemporaries.

Erasmus of Rotterdam is a revised and considerably enlarged translation of Christ-von Wedel’s well-received 2003 study, originally published in German. Observing the influence of classical, biblical, patristic, scholastic, and late medieval vernacular and popular sources on Erasmus’ writing, the author provides comparisons with theologians Agrippa, Lefèvre d’Étaples, Eck, Luther, and Zwingli to demonstrate not only the singularity of Erasmus’ intellect, but also the enormous impact he had on the Reformation. The result is a lively picture of the man and his time, in which Erasmus emerges as both a devout Christian and a critical seeker of truth who conceded the ambiguities that he could not resolve.