Praise of Madness - Erasmus - ill Jean Chièze - Fac simile 1515 Holbein - 1967

• Very beautiful bibliophile edition produced on the occasion of the 500th anniversary of the birth of the "great humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam".

Here in an unusual presentation in a very practical double case for consultation.

Including the facsimile of the Latin volume made from the only copy
preserved in the Museum of Fine Arts in Basel, illustrated by Holbein, printed by Johannes Froben in 1515

The French translation with presentation and notes by Jacques and Anne-Marie
Yvon, Paleographer Archivists, illustrated by Jean Chièze

A study by Doctor Hanspeter Landolt on the Balois example and his drawings.

• "It is a burlesque and allegorical fiction. Erasmus makes the goddess of Madness speak in it

and lends him a virulent criticism of the various professions and social categories,

including theologians, masters, monks and high clergy, but also

the courtiers of whom we have a biting satire.

It begins with a skilful eulogy imitated from the Greek satirical author Lucian,

whose work Erasmus and Thomas More had recently translated into Latin,

a piece of virtuosity in delirium. The tone becomes darker in a series

of solemn speeches, when madness praises blindness and

dementia and when we move on to a satirical examination of

superstitions and pious practices in the Catholic Church as well as to the folly of pedants."

https://www.cairn.info/revue-dix-septieme-siecle-2010-2-page-197.htm

https://www.lemonde.fr/mondephilatelique/article/2014/04/21/l-association-jean-chieze-a-la-pointe-de-la-defense-de-la-gravure-sur-bois_5997514_5470897. html

https://www.persee.fr/doc/bec_0373-6237_1984_num_142_2_464420

State

Very nice set with slight wear from use

• snag on the upper cover of the case

• small tear on the edge of the 2nd cover of the French volume
• small defect in the leather 2nd cover of the French volume

• Fresh interior