Which Dutch Renaissance humanist wrote 'The Praise of Folly'?

Desiderius Erasmus wrote The Praise of Folly.

Also known by its Latin title Moriae Encomium, the work was written in 1509 and first printed in 1511. Erasmus was a Dutch Renaissance humanist, priest, theologian, and scholar whose writings helped shape northern European intellectual life.

The book is a satirical oration delivered by Folly herself. Speaking in her own voice, Folly praises human foolishness and mocks a wide range of social groups, including scholars, rulers, clergy, and ordinary believers. Erasmus used humor and irony to criticize vanity, superstition, empty learning, and abuses within religious practice.

Although the work attacks corruption in church and society, it was not simply a rejection of Christianity. Erasmus remained committed to Christian reform and used satire to encourage a more sincere and thoughtful faith. Thomas More was Erasmus’s close friend, and the title’s Latin wordplay is connected to More’s name, but More did not write the book. That relationship is one reason he is sometimes mistakenly selected as the author.