A Book Written Around 400 Years Ago Has Been Found. Who Did It Belong To?!

A newly discovered copy of “La civilité puerile” (“Rules of Etiquette for Children”) by the great Renaissance philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam, known as the “Prince of the Humanists”, has attracted considerable public interest.

The rare edition, printed in 1609, was found by an American scholar who closely studies the author’s works and was donated to the country’s library.

According to library official John Tolen, this valuable work is currently believed to be the only surviving copy in the world. It is estimated that only around one thousand copies of the book were originally printed.

The historical discovery is a revised and expanded French version of the famous guide written by Erasmus of Rotterdam in Latin in 1530.

To teach good manners to the younger generation, the author explained several important rules:

• proper behavior at the table and hygiene practices;

• washing hands before meals and trimming nails regularly;

• showing respect to others, for example by immediately wishing someone good health after they sneeze.

The work consists not only of rules but is also enriched with gentle humor.