Moriae Encomium; Or The Praise of Folly
New York: Printed by Joh. Enschede en Zonen, Haarlem, Netherlands for The Heritage Press, (1953). Translated from the Latin by Harry Carter, with an introduction by Hendrik Willem Van Loon. Belgian artist Frans Masereel was commissioned to create 24 striking woodcuts specifically for this edition. An exclusive publication planned to be issued by 1941, but WWII intervened. No date stated, but was published per Heritage Press "Sandglass" in 1953. One of Erasmus's best-known works, it is a satirical attack on superstitions and other traditions of European society in general and the western Church in particular. Written in 1509, it is dedicated to Sir Thomas More, whose name the title puns.
Original decorative paper covers over brown cloth boards with gilt lettering to spine, Red stain to top edges. Lacking slipcase, slight bumps to bottom and tips, else a Very Good or better copy.
ID# 1024
$20.00