Erasmus, Desiderius: - Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, born in 1466, was a Dutch humanist, theologian, and scholar of the northern Renaissance. Known as the "Prince of the Humanists," he was one of the most influential intellectuals of his time. By the 1530s, his writings made up a significant portion of book sales across Europe.His works included translations, commentaries, and satirical critiques of church practices. He produced a scholarly edition of the New Testament, which influenced both Catholic and Protestant reforms. Advocating for a faith based on inner devotion, he sought to renew the church without breaking from it.Erasmus's ideas shaped the Protestant and Catholic Reformations, though he refused to align fully with either. He criticized corruption in the church but opposed radical change. His legacy endures in theology, education, and the study of classical texts.