The Oxford Reformers: John Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More

"The Oxford Reformers: John Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More" by Frederic Seebohm is a late 19th-century historical piece that examines the intertwined lives and intellectual work of John Colet, Erasmus, and Thomas More during the Renaissance, during a time of intellectual, social and religious reformation. The book opens with John Colet's return to Oxford in 1496, setting the stage for his impactful lectures on St. Paul's Epistles, signifying a renewed interest in Scripture, which had been overlooked in scholarly discussions and study. Colet's unique way of interpreting the Bible and teaching is presented as a key moment that would likely cause excitement and disagreement from Oxford's traditional scholars. The story uncovers how Colet, Erasmus, and More worked through the problems and paradoxes of their time, and influenced each other's views on reform.