The Essential Erasmus (Essentials) [Paperback]

Desiderius Erasmus (Author), John P. Dolan (Contributor)

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Latin

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Plume (May 1, 1964)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0452009723
• ISBN-13: 978-0452009721
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #232,232 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Formidable Liberality We So Desperately Need, March 20, 2011

By 

Kevin Fuller "Kev" (Evansville, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: The Essential Erasmus (Essentials) (Paperback)

Handbook for the Militant Christian. Sounds offputting doesn't it? A call to arms to defeat some faceless infidel, a war cry to wage against the world? In a word, no.

In the last chapter, Erasmus makes no bones that we are to forgive those who harm us and love those who would do us ill. We should look to the Supreme Example, Christ, who died for a world that didn't accept Him, and in so doing gained the keys to the Kingdom. Revenge only deepens hurt and portends disaster, Erasmus lets us know on a more practical level. In seeking recompense for errors committed against us, we ironically only create more trouble for ourselves and not our 'enemy'.

In these words, I have not found a better voice that blends the best Pagan Wisdom with the Truth of the Revealed Word.

So who is the enemy? Earlier in the book, Erasmus lets us know it is the flesh. We have both an inner and outer man. The outer, connected to the world and all it's trappings, the possibilities of gluttony, drunkenness and lustful pursuits which only end in death, and that inner man, which is connected to things Spiritual, and Christ utmost. Clearly, as St. Paul stated, who is oft quoted here by the author, the flesh must be crucified. We must recognize another irony. That the more we deny the flesh, the more we flourish Spiritually.

Thoughts are given on how to flee temptation, where we are urged to reign in Vanity, Pride in order to live a simple, humble, Christian life.

Seneca wrote letters to a Stoic. Erasmus wrote this manual for a boy just being initiated into manhood.

What a resplendent re-capitulation of the Old World Wisdom during the Renaissance where the knowledges of Plato, Origen and Augustine could once again be remembered and carried forward to us here in the postmodern world.

A gem.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Erasmus compilation for the lay reader, November 16, 2008

By 

Mulcite - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Essential Erasmus (Essentials) (Paperback)

I really like Erasmus, and after studying him in a reformation class I decided to look for a collection of his writings, and this is a nice, cheap copy.
Erasmus is a difficult person to analyze and figure out what exactly he is after. His writings can be confusing at times and one may sometimes wonder the applicability of some of his words for today; of course, such was very significant in the time period in which they were composed. Though their bearing may not have as much salient application to todays world, I think it is still very relevant, especially when considered with the proper perspective; if the writings themselves are not directly relevant, surely the motivation for his writings are. One would be wise to analyze their self, the modern church, and the modern world in light of his ideas and consider what he would propose did he live today.

2 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Mixed bag, December 17, 2009

By 

JohnH - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Essential Erasmus (Essentials) (Paperback)

This book, from the writings of Erasmus in the 1500's, contains a lot on ethics and morals, but perhaps not as much as it should have on Christ and the cross. The writing on ethics and morals, however, is strong and good.

Some sections could just as well have been left out.

Non-religious readers perhaps won't like the heavy emphasis on morals as given in this book.

Especially Roman Catholic readers won't like his views and general attacks on monks, Bishops, Cardinals, and Popes, although it is also his view that those who do not acknowledge the authority of the Pope are outside the church and thus outside salvation.

Especially conservative Protestant readers won't like his view that salvation can be earned by sufficient works of charity and mercy, and his view of the Pope as above or equal to the Gospel itself.

Especially Virgin Mary worshippers won't like his statements against praying to the Virgin Mary and Saints instead of to Christ.

Readers will, however, have access to selected writings of a famous man from the 1500's who desired reform within the church and reform of society at that time in general. So, if you are looking for a book strong on living virtuously, that at the same time presents some of the problems in the church at that period, and you are patient to find the worthwhile parts that are mixed in with some dull parts and some parts you probably won't agree with, then this book might be worth considering.