Early edition of Erasmuss first Psalm commentary; the first of what would become a series of commentaries on eleven psalms written by Erasmus between 1515 and 1533. Here, Erasmus interprets the first psalm, Beatus vir, primarily according to its tropological (moral) sense, emphasising personal ethical transformation and inner devotion.
The volume opens with an epistle by the humanist Martini Dorpius (1485-1525), discussing The Praise of Folly (Moriae Encomium), and Erasmus's emendation of the Greek New Testament. This is followed by Erasmuss robust and eloquent Apologia in defence of his scholarly work.
An early and influential example of Erasmuss "Philosophia Christi", this commentary urges the reader to live a life of piety, humility, and active charity, warning against vanity and superficial religiosity. It reflects many of Erasmuss hallmark themes: Christian ethics, a personal application of Scripture, and a call for inner reform.
The present edition is the first by Martins, and the second overall, following the Strasbourg printing by Schürer in September 1515. This Leuven edition is notable for including Erasmuss correspondence with Maarten van Dorp, material absent from the Schürer edition.
With a contemporary annotation in the margin. Otherwise in very good condition. Adams E-359; BM STC Dutch, p. 71; Colón 11, no. 121; Erasmus Online 3285; Nijhoff-Kronenberg 814; USTC 400347; Vander Haeghen I, 161.