Erasmus of Rotterdam was a leading figure of Dutch Renaissance humanism, a priest, social critic, and theologian. He was renowned for his pure Latin style and mastery of classical scholarship, earning him the moniker "Prince of the Humanists." Employing humanist textual methods, he produced significant Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament that spurred questions influential in the Reformation. His work emphasizes a deep respect for traditional faith and piety, calling for reform within the Church while rejecting radical stances, which drew criticism from both sides of the religious divide.
Set against the backdrop of the Renaissance, "The Complaint of Peace" emerges from Erasmus's response to the pervasive conflicts of his era. As a prominent scholar, he passionately advocates for peace, reflecting his profound discontent with the constant warfare among European nations. The themes of the work resonate even today, showcasing the timeless relevance of Erasmus's plea for harmony in a tumultuous world.
Comments on the upper classes and religious institutions of the Renaissance through the personification of traits such as folly, wealth, and flattery.