Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1469?-1536) was a leading humanist, theologian, and writer. He lived and conducted research in various European cities and was involved especially with publishing ancient and early Christian authors. Both his new edition of the Greek NT (Bible Manuscripts and Editions 3) and his advocacy of tolerance and peace are of theological significance.

Erasmus was the illegitimate child of Roger Gerard, a priest, and Margaret, a physician’s daughter. He grew up in Gouda, Netherlands, became a choirboy at the cathedral school in…