The most famous book by Erasmus of Rotterdam is a masterpiece of satire and irony. In the 16th century, it was one of the most influential pamphlets that paved the way for humanism and the Reformation. However, since behind the historical masks of human folly lie eternally recurring faces, we find ourselves reflected in them even today: as vain know-it-alls, for instance, and prisoners of the cage of prosperity, but also as fools of our very private, oh so sacred feelings. With a contribution from Kindler's Literary Encyclopedia. Includes data on life and work, exclusively written by the editorial team of the literary journal TEXT + KRITIK.