Erasmus on Literature: His Ratio or 'System' of 1518/1519

The Ratio verae theologiae is Erasmus' most adventurous work, published separately in 1518 and 1519 and appearing in the preliminaries to the New Testament in Erasmus (revised) 1519 edition. It provides advice on how to interpret complex texts and develop persuasive arguments based on them, and is designed to make it easier to estimate the long-term value of Erasmus' works and allow for a multidisciplinary understanding of the lives of human beings as symbol-using creatures in worlds constructed partly by texts.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 378 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Erasmus' literary and educational writings in the Collected Works of Erasmus do not fully capture his most daring ideas about how texts signify in and thereby shape or remake worlds of thought, emotion, and action. However, the Ratio verae theologiae, also known as "A System of True Theology," comes closest to achieving this. Originally published separately in 1518 and 1519, it was later included in the preliminaries to the New Testament in Erasmus (revised) 1519 edition. This concise Ratio or compendious "System" provided guidance on interpreting complex texts and constructing persuasive arguments based on them. Its lessons were applied to both the canonical Scriptures as the primary source and everyday Christian theology as the target discourse. They unfolded in response to the unique challenges and incentives of the biblical text in Latin and Greek, within the framework of classical grammar and rhetoric, adjusted to the examples of the Church Fathers as exemplary interpreters of the Bible. At every turn, the Ratio reveals the instincts and intuitions of an exceptional theorist and practitioner of the cognitive, social, and political arts of written language.

This student edition, the first of its kind in any language, is based on the translation and notes by Robert D. Sider in the Collected Works of Erasmus Volume 41. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the estimation of the long-term value of this particular work and of Erasmus' works more broadly. It also aims to promote a multidisciplinary understanding of human lives as symbol-using creatures in worlds constructed partly by texts.

In conclusion, the Ratio verae theologiae stands as a remarkable testament to Erasmus' intellectual prowess and his commitment to exploring the complex relationship between language, theology, and the human experience. By providing insights into the interpretive processes and persuasive strategies employed by Erasmus, this edition serves as a valuable resource for scholars and students alike, enabling them to deepen their understanding of the rich tapestry of early modern thought and its enduring impact on the world.

Weight: 578g
Dimension: 152 x 227 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487522100