Erasmus and the Age of Reformation

In this very readable biography, a noted scholar traces Erasmus's youth, his years as an itinerant scholar, sojourns in England, France, Switzerland, and Italy, friendship with Sir Thomas More, and disputes with Martin Luther. The author also probes Erasmus's mind and character and discusses his writings.

Huizinga, one of Europe's greatest historians, was educated at the universities of Groningen and Leipzig. After teaching history in Haarlem and lecturing in Indian literature at Amsterdam, he was professor of history first at Groningen (1905-15) and then at Leiden until 1942, when he was held as a hostage by the Nazis. He remained under open arrest until his death in 1945.