It was in the last form that the Colloquies were read and enjoyed for four centuries. For modern readers it is one of the best introductions to European society of the Renaissance and Reformation periods, with lively descriptions of daily life and provocative discussions of political, religious, social, and literary topics, presented with Erasmus's characteristic wit and verve. Each colloquy has its own introduction and full explanatory, historical, and biographical notes.
Volumes 39 and 40 of the Collected Works of Erasmus series – Two-volume set.
Desiderius Erasmus (c. 1466–1536), a Dutch humanist, Catholic priest, and scholar, was one of the most influential Renaissance figures. A professor of divinity and Greek, Erasmus wrote, taught, and travelled, meeting with Europe’s foremost scholars. A prolific author, Erasmus wrote on both ecclesiastic and general human interest subjects.
The late Craig R. Thompson was Emeritus Professor of English Literature, University of Pennsylvania. He was for many years a member of the Editorial Board of the Collected Works of Erasmus and has edited and translated a number of Renaissance texts, including the CWE 23-24.