Published in 1494 in Basel, The Ship of Fools was soon translated into every major European language. It provoked a vast number of imitations and remained steadily in print through the 18th century (with sporadic reprints after that).It still possesses an enormous vigor and vitality:

The book owes its long life to an imagination, wit, and humor rich with insights into human nature, yet neither bitter nor namby pamby. Its commentary on the boasting, pedantry, false learning, gambling, gluttony, medical folly, adultery, greed, envy, hatred, pride and other failings that mark humanity are sharp and telling, and, sadly, as relevant today as they were nearly 500 years ago.

Published in 1494 in Basel, The Ship of Fools was soon translated into every major European language. It provoked a vast number of imitations and remained steadily in print through the 18th century (with sporadic reprints after that).It still possesses an enormous vigor and vitality:

The book owes its long life to an imagination, wit, and humor rich with insights into human nature, yet neither bitter nor namby pamby. Its commentary on the boasting, pedantry, false learning, gambling, gluttony, medical folly, adultery, greed, envy, hatred, pride and other failings that mark humanity are sharp and telling, and, sadly, as relevant today as they were nearly 500 years ago.

This translation by Professor Edwin H. Zeydel is the only accurate English translation ever published. (Barclay’s version is really a pastiche written in imitation of Brant.) The form Professor Zeydel uses is verse, like the original, and he even retains the original rhyme scheme and meter. The achievement is remarkable, for it captures all thee charm and movement of the original German while sacrificing nothing to readability and fluidity.

Published now with the 114 original Renaissance woodcuts and with Professor Zeydel’s annotations, a biography of Brant, a publishing history, and a survey of the work’s influence, this will unquestionably remain the definitive edition of The Ship of Fools in English.The illustrations are part of Dover’s Pictorial Archive Series and may be used by commercial artists free of charge.

INTRODUCTION

I. THE LIFE AND WORKS OF BRANT

II. THE ANTECEDENTS AND GENESIS OF THE "NARRENSCHIFF"

III. A CHARACTERIZATION AND LITERARY HISTORY OF THE "NARRENSCHIFF"

(1) Contents and Style

(2) The Woodcuts

(3) The Editions and Reprints.

(4) The Translations and Adaptations

IV. THE "NARRENSCHIFF" AS A FORCE IN LITERATURE

V. BIBLIOGRAPHY

TEXT

COMMENTARY

INDEX