Erasmus of Rotterdam, one of the most influential representatives of Northern Renaissance humanism, has been associated, since his time, with ideas of peace, moderation, and avoiding all forms of dogmatism. However, he was neither an unconditional pacifist nor a systematic war theorist. Instead, his views on war and peace are expressed through writings of different genres and tones, where moral and theological reflection, education, and the responsibility of authority are central.

In this volume, for the first time in Greek, four representative texts by Erasmus from the Colloquia and Adagia are translated (Charon, Militaria, Dulce bellum inexpertis, Scarabeus aquilam quaerit). These writings combine literary craftsmanship with contemplation on violence, war, and human nature, utilizing an impressive range of elements from both the classical, “pagan” tradition and the biblical and patristic tradition. Delicate satire, irony, and allegory coexist here with serious moral exhortation and incisive highlighting of the maladies of an era of profound upheavals.

The publication is accompanied by an extensive introduction and commentary that place the texts within their intellectual context and emphasize their significance for understanding humanist thought and the history of moral and political ideas in early modern Europe. (From the blurb on the back cover of the book)