The Praise of Folly
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This satirical work, written as a speech by the personification of Folly herself, offers a witty critique of the customs and institutions of early 16th-century Europe. Folly praises her own influence, arguing that she is essential to human happiness and societal functioning. She humorously dissects the practices of various professions, including theologians, scholars, and clergy, exposing their vanities, absurdities, and hypocrisies with sharp, often ironic, observations. The text's playful tone and use of rhetorical devices make it an engaging read for intermediate learners looking to understand satire and classical argumentation.
Learn English with The Praise of Folly
- Suits learners around level C1: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
- 4,844 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
- Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.
How it works
- Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
- Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
- Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.
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Questions about this book
Can I read The Praise of Folly in English for free?
Yes. The first chapters of The Praise of Folly open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.
How much English do I need?
The text is estimated at level C1. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.
Is there audio?
Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.
