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Censorship in the book Ratione Conscribendi Epistle by Erasm
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Censorship in the book Ratione Conscribendi Epistle by Erasm
Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536). Dutch humanist. Ratione Conscribendi Epistles. Page with censorship and registration by the censor of the Inquisition, 1747. Basel edition, 1522. Episcopal Library. Barcelona. Spain
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Media ID 14324269
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1522 1747 Annotation Barcelona Basel Catalonia Censor Censorship Correction Crossing Date Desiderius Edition Episcopal Erasmus Forbidden Hand Written Humanism Humanist Index Inquisition Letters Manuscript Margin Netherlands Note Rotterdam 15th Roterodamus
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This haunting image from the Episcopal Library in Barcelona showcases the power of censorship during the 16th century, as depicted in the Ratione Conscribendi Epistles by Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam (1466-1536), a Dutch humanist. The page, taken from the Basel edition of 1522, bears the marks of the Inquisition's censor, who meticulously crossed out forbidden words and phrases with a black pen. The annotations in the margins include corrections, expurgations, and prohibitions, as the man's hand carefully erases any content deemed heretical or contrary to Catholic doctrine. The age-old practice of censorship is evident in the numerous annotations, each one a testament to the power of the Church to control the dissemination of ideas. The black crossings and erasures stand in stark contrast to the open book, highlighting the tension between the desire for knowledge and the fear of its potential misuse. The Ratione Conscribendi Epistles, a series of letters on the art of writing, were a seminal work in the development of humanist thought in Europe. Erasmus, a leading figure in the humanist movement, advocated for the importance of education, reason, and critical thinking. However, his works were not always met with approval by the Church, leading to numerous instances of censorship and suppression. This image, from the modern age but with its roots deeply embedded in the 15th and 16th centuries, serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle between freedom of expression and the desire for control over knowledge and ideas. The marks of the censor's pen continue to resonate with us today, a testament to the enduring impact of the humanist tradition and the ongoing debate over the role of censorship in society.
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