[Erasmo] Desiderius Erasmus — Encomio Della Pazzia, Composto in Forma Di Declamazione Per Erasmo, E Tradotto in Italiano.

Basilea , A Spese della Saviezza, 1761 . Leather. A very scarce work containing French and Italian translations of 'Encomio della Pazzia', or 'In Praise of Folly', by Erasmus of Rotterdam. The first edition thus, being the first work to contain the French-Italian translation. Bound in full calf, with the boards rebacked. A French and Italian translation, with each language's text on facing pages. Originally published in 1509, 'In Praise of Folly', or 'Encomio Della Pazzia', is a satirical attack on various traditions present in European society, as well as on the Western Church. It is considered to be one of the most important works of the Renaissance, leading the way for the Protestant Reformation. Written by Dutch humanist, Catholic priest and theologian, Desiderius Erasmus, or Erasmus of Rotterdam. It is believed that this work was originally penned at the estate of Sir Thomas More, during a week-long visit. Translated here by Nicolas Gueudeville. Illustrated with a frontispiece containing 'L'Eloge de la Folie' and portraits of Erasmus and Morus. Collated, complete.With a twenty-four page, unpaginated index to the rear. Bound in full calf, with the boards rebacked. Endpapers renewed, no half titles. Externally, sound, with rubbing to the extremities, heavier to the spine and joints. Front hinge a touch strained, but holding firm. Pencil inscription to front endpaper. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright and clean. One very small worm hole to the margin of the first 135 pages, not affecting text. Good . Ill.: None. Good .