Erasmus of Rotterdam is back in Basel from not being away.

9 February 2025

On Friday, 7 February, publishing House Donker Uitgeverij from Rotterdam presented the complete Dutch edition of Erasmus’ correspondence at the University of Basel’s Kollegienhaus. The publisher noted that this monk’s work took more than 20 years.

First row, from left to right: Mustafa Atici (Regierungsrat Kanton Basel-Stadt), Karin Mössenlechner (Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands), Jos Donker-Exler (Donker Uitgeverij), Alice Keller (Direktorin der Universitätsbibliothek Basel), Christine Christ-von Wedel (Historian, Erasmus-Expert). Second row, from left to right: Andrea Schenker-Wicki (Rector of the Basel University), Peter Saarloos (Donker Uitgeverij), Noah Regenass (head historical collections of the Universitätsbibliothek Basel)

It is also in the spirit of Erasmus, who, after all, was ordained a priest on 24 April 1492 in the Dom in Utrecht. After that, he did not so much perform duties as a priest, but, as if he were a monk in a scriptorium, he wrote countless letters, studies, translations, books and other works.

Dr. Christine Christ-von Wedel, Jos Donker-Exler and Peter Saarloos in front of the former house of publisher-printer Froben

Those who did not receive a letter from Erasmus did not count. He corresponded with emperors, kings, popes, bishops, scholars, humanists, magistrates, administrators, reformers, Protestants, and Catholics. Erasmus lived in several countries, including the Netherlands, Italy, England, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and France.

Not only did he publish many writings (in Latin and Greek), but there was also great public interest. His publishers, Johannes and Hieronymus Froben in Basel, then Europe’s humanist, intellectual, and publishing centre, made a good living.

This 21-volume edition has already been offered to relevant libraries in the above countries. Basel is the appropriate finale to what could also be called a tour in Erasmus’ footsteps. After all, he spent many years and published most of his works in Basel. He also died and rests in this city.

Erasmus’ final resting place in the Münster during the commentary by Christine Christ-von Wedel (below) and Peter Saarloos (above)

Erasmus’s societal commitment, humanism, and philosophy of life live on and remain a source of inspiration and guidance. Rotterdam has honoured him in many ways, with a university (Erasmus University), the Erasmus Bridge, statues, street names, and various other public tributes.

This 21-volume edition, however, will undoubtedly charm the humble erudite and writing ‘monk’ Erasmus the most. Erasmus van Rotterdam is now a little more like Erasmus von Basel. After all, Erasmus has his Münster and 21-volume correspondence in Dutch in Basel!

Publisher Jos Donker-Exler (l) and ambassador Karin Mössenlechner (r) with Erasmus’ final resting place in the background