Erasmus in the Twentieth Century: Interpretations c. 1920-2000 (review)

Abstract

Erasmus in the Twentieth Century: Interpretations c. 1920-2000. By Bruce Mansfield. (Toronto: University of Toronto Press. 2003. Pp. xiv, 324. $70.00.) The title of this monograph by Professor Emeritus Bruce Mansfield is misleading because is survey of works about Erasmus of Rotterdam from 1936 2000 rather than, the title indicates, from 1920 2000. As such is not chronological sequel Mansfield's two earlier volumes on interpretations of Erasmus which cover the periods 1550 1750 (Toronto, 1979) and 1750 1920 (Toronto, 1992). The present volume is both cursory and incomplete within the examined time frame because ignores important studies by Margaret Aston, Irena Backus, A. G. Dickens, and Richard Marius-to name but few. Mansfield appears be aware of the lacunae by noting that this volume is of a different character (p. ix). The two earlier volumes in his trilogy were as much interested (or nearly so) in the writers on Erasmus, their social positions, intellectual moorings, religious convictions, and stances in contemporary controversies, in Erasmus (p. ix). Mansfield chose not pursue this same critical examination of in his final volume because it is misleading give too specific scholarly, let alone an ideological, character. The result of all this is that the material here is organized, not (as in the previous volumes) by the ideologies and commitments of the writers, but thematically (p. x). As result of Mansfield's change of direction, the present volume suffers from lack of chronological progression. he attempts lump together various from different generations (see chapters 2,3, 5, and 6) but does not note inconsistencies. Mansfield himself admits that authors are drawn into the discussion they illustrate these [themes] or advance them (p. x). More seriously, Mansfield admits that he has not achieved, or perhaps even attempted, even-handed justice in drawing his conclusions (p. x) and that he has attempted to elucidate themes and make progress towards personal, synthetic view (p. x). In my opinion, Mansfield is particularly severe with Professor E. V Teile's scholarship. Mansfield also derails any attempt achieve comprehensiveness in his work by giving special attention three Erasmus commemorations, namely, in 1936 (400th anniversary of Erasmus' death), 1967-1970 (500th anniversary of Erasmus' birth), and 1986 (450th anniversary of Erasmus' death) and the published articles that resulted from them. …