Colloquies of Erasmus

The Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus was a hugely influential author of the Renaissance.

His prolific and diverse writings made him a contentious figure, often inciting controversy for his criticism of religious institutions.

Called the "e;Prince of Christian Humanists"e;, Erasmus did a great deal to shape the course of the Protestant Reformation.

His 1516 work "e;The Colloquies of Erasmus"e; elevated his profile due to their controversial nature.

Designed as a Latin study book for young students, "e;Colloquies"e; is written as a series of intellectual dialogues, touching on a wide range of subjects.

Theology, philosophy, and literature are all visited with lightness not void of seriousness.

Many of the religious dialogues criticized traditions of the Catholic Church, instigating a backlash from the Papacy that would haunt Erasmus the rest of his life.

Yet "e;Colloquies"e; slowly became popular across Europe, simultaneously altering public dialogue about the Church's seemingly unfailing position in a changing society.