The Age of Erasmus Lectures Delivered in the Universities of Oxford and London

by P. S. (Percy Stafford) Allen

"The Age of Erasmus" by P. S. Allen is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work consists of a series of lectures delivered at the universities of Oxford and London, exploring the life and influence of Erasmus during the Transalpine Renaissance, focusing on the intellectual and cultural backdrop of his time. The text is expected to delve into Erasmus's significance and the wider context of Northern humanism, looking at various figures and institutions that shaped his experiences. The opening of the book sets a scholarly tone, emphasizing the importance of biography in studying history. The author outlines the rise of personal narratives during the Renaissance, contrasting it with the more formal historical records of earlier centuries. He introduces key figures from Erasmus's world, including John Wessel and Rudolph Agricola, illustrating their contributions to the humanistic movement that Erasmus would later embody. The narrative points to the significance of places like the Adwert Academy as hubs of learning and progress, hinting at the profound impact these individuals and environments had on shaping the Renaissance in Northern Europe.