Desid. Erasmi Roterodami Colloquia nunc emendatiora Cum omnium Notis. Amstelodami: Typis Ludovici Elzevirii, 1650.
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Erasmus, one of the most important figures of Northern Renaissance humanism, used the Colloquia to critique the corruption within the Church and the excesses of contemporary society. His dialogues, written in a conversational Latin that was both erudite and engaging, dissect the follies of superstitions, the vices of the clergy, and the absurdities of certain religious practices. Through humour and irony, Erasmus advocated for a return to simple Christian piety and the teachings of Christ, free from the dogma and rituals that he believed had obscured the true message of the Gospel.
This Elzevir Press edition includes the famous woodcut of Erasmus at a table with two others, one of the more recognisable depictions of Erasmus.
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Condition:
Contemporary plain full calf binding without external identifying features (as originally bound). Binding rubbed, some losses to leather, discolouration, but generally well presented. Both boards are attached and the binding holds securely. Remnants of a removed bookplate to front pastedown. Mildly toned through the text, but generally clean throughout, some marginal spotting / old mould to leaf edges and outer margins of text block, binding a bit tight, old drawing of a person to final page verso.
