The Praise of Folly

“In Praise of Folly” can be called an “international super-bestseller of the Renaissance,” since immediately after its first publication in Paris in 1511, it went through 7 reissues in France alone—and was reissued in different countries during the author’s lifetime more than 40 times. Even Erasmus, who considered his brilliant satire in form and content no more than a funny literary trifle, was quite surprised by such a loud success.

In the work constructed as a monologue, the main character is Moría (Folly), who opens her secrets to the reader, lists her achievements, praises herself, and most importantly—mocks many “wise men.” In her reflections on her purpose, she touches upon questions of art, culture, the structure of society, and many other things.