Erasmus and the Age of Reformation

"Erasmus and the Age of Reformation" by Johan Huizinga is a story that explores the life and impact of Desiderius Erasmus within the transformative era of the Reformation, especially focusing on cultural changes in the Netherlands. It looks at Erasmus's life, from his beginnings to his important role in Renaissance humanism. The story begins by setting the stage in the Low Countries in the 1400s, showing Erasmus’s upbringing and schooling. The book touches on the political and social environment of the time, including the effects of Burgundian rule and the rise of a religious movement focused on spiritual change. Erasmus’s birth outside of marriage and his family history are covered, showing how these factors influenced his early life. Huizinga follows Erasmus through his education and his entrance into monastic life, which started him on the path to becoming a key Renaissance figure.