Erasmus books in order
Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and theologian
- Lived
- 1466–1536
- Country
- Seventeen Provinces
- Books
- 20
Erasmus published 6 novels, 1 novella, 4 non-fiction books and 9 other books, beginning with Adagia (1500). The best-known is In Praise of Folly (1511).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Erasmus
Standalone novels in order
Handbook of a Christian Knight (1503)
In Praise of Folly (1511)
Julius Excluded from Heaven (1514)
Familiar Colloquies (1518)
De Libero Arbitrio Diatribe Sive Collatio (1524)
A Handbook on Manners for Children (1530)
Novellas in order
Ciceronianus (1528)
Non-fiction in order
Adagia (1500)
A Book Called in Latin Enchiridion Militis Christiani, and in English the Manual of the Christian Knight (1516)
The Education of a Christian Prince (1532)
Preparation to Deathe (1534)
Other books in order
The Complaint of Peace (1521)
Paraphrase on Matthew (1522)
De Immensa Dei Misericordia (1524)
The First Tome (1524)
Apophthegmes (1532)
De Civilitate Morum Puerilium (1532)
A Playne and Godly Exposytion (1533)
Proverbs or Adages (1539)
Proverbes or Adagies (1545)
Free to read
All free classicsThe Praise of Folly
The Colloquies of Erasmus, Volume I.
Erasmus Against War
Selections from Erasmus
The Education of Children
A dialoge or communication of two persons
Two Dyaloges (c. 1549)
A Modest Meane to Mariage
A Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the Epicure
A Merry Dialogue Declaringe the Properties of Shrowde Shrews and Honest Wives
One dialogue, or Colloquye of Erasmus (entituled Diuersoria)
About Erasmus
Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, commonly known in English as Erasmus of Rotterdam or simply Erasmus, was a Dutch humanist, theologian, and philosopher. He was, through his writings and translations, one of the most influential scholars of the Northern Renaissance and a major figure of Western culture.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Erasmus FAQ
- How many books has Erasmus written?
- Erasmus published 6 novels, 1 novella, 4 non-fiction books and 9 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Erasmus's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with In Praise of Folly.
- What is Erasmus's last book?
- Preparation to Deathe (1534).
- What is Erasmus's most famous book?
- In Praise of Folly (1511) is Erasmus's most widely read book.
- Can I read Erasmus's books for free?
- Yes. 12 books by Erasmus are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Erasmus
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.