Introduction

This volume of Professor Halkin's articles forms a complement to his recent biography of Erasmus of Rotterdam. The articles published here are concerned with his activities and his behaviour, and describe parts of what may be called his spiritual and intellectual itinerary, different aspects of his thought, or different chapters of his life.

Erasmus' Impact and Personality

The personality of Erasmus continues to make a striking impact upon those who read him, but that it is hard to define it clearly or simply may be seen from the variety of differing judgements scholars have made.

Erasmus' Works and Themes

The last of the great Latin writers, the author of more than a hundred works, he strove hard to disseminate his ideas: with his books he expounded the theories of Christian humanism; in his treatises and letters he incessantly preached peace; right to the end of his life he worked for the reform of the Church.

Professor Halkin's View

These themes recur in these articles, but, in Professor Halkin's view, it is his faith, his militant and uncompromising Christianity which gives his character its unity.