The Library
1693 works catalogued century by century, from the literature the Bible was written among to the present — each with a note on what it is, why it lasted, and where to read it.
101–200
2 works
c. 165
Greek
De Morte Peregrini
Lucian of Samosata · c. 125 – c. 180
A charlatan joins the Christians, becomes their prophet and interpreter of books, is imprisoned and showered with support — widows and orphans waiting at the prison from dawn, meals brought in, delegates sent from Asia — then is expelled for eating something forbidden, and finally burns himself alive at Olympia.
c. 180
Greek
Lucian of Samosata · c. 125 – c. 180
An exposure of a working oracle cult in Paphlagonia, built on a tame snake with a linen head. When Alexander wanted a crowd purged before the mysteries he had the herald cry out that any atheist, Christian, or Epicurean present should leave.
901–1000
1 work
c. 958–962
Latin
Antapodosis
Liudprand of Cremona · c. 920–972
A history of Italy, Germany, and Byzantium written explicitly to repay enemies, full of scandal, verse interludes, and Greek words showing off the author's learning.
1101–1200
3 works
c. 1121–1125
Latin
Bernard of Clairvaux · 1090–1153
Benedict's twelve steps of humility read in reverse as twelve steps of pride, each a recognisable social type from the monk who fidgets to the one who rebels openly.
c. 1140
Latin
De Contemptu Mundi
Bernard of Cluny · 12th century
Three thousand lines of savage satire on a corrupt age in a demanding metre, opening with the world's last hour and the coming of the judge.
c. 1181–1193
Latin
De Nugis Curialium
Walter Map · c. 1130–c. 1210
Gossip, ghost stories, monastic satire, and complaints about court life from a royal clerk who compared the court to hell and admitted he could not leave it.
1201–1300
1 work
c. 1270–1306
Italian
Laude
Jacopone da Todi · c. 1230–1306
Vernacular songs of love, self-mockery, and savage satire against a pope who imprisoned him, alongside a dramatic lament of Mary at the cross.
1401–1500
2 works
1494
German
Das Narrenschiff
Sebastian Brant · 1457–1521
A hundred and twelve kinds of folly, each given a woodcut and a verse — the book collector who cannot read, the priest who cannot preach, the man who plans to repent later.
c. 1478–1510
German
Johann Geiler von Kaysersberg · 1445–1510
Cathedral preaching in Strasbourg full of homely images and blunt criticism of clergy, magistrates, and congregation alike — including a whole sermon cycle on the Ship of Fools.
1501–1600
2 works
1511
Latin
Moriae Encomium
Desiderius Erasmus · c. 1466–1536
Folly delivers her own oration in praise of herself, working steadily through scholars, lawyers, monks, bishops, and popes before turning to the folly of the cross.
1518, expanded to 1533
Latin
Colloquia Familiaria
Desiderius Erasmus · c. 1466–1536
Dialogues written to teach schoolboys Latin, which grew into satires on pilgrimages, relics, monastic vows, soldiering, and arranged marriage.
1601–1700
1 work
1656–1657
French
Blaise Pascal · 1623–1662
Eighteen anonymous letters ridiculing Jesuit casuistry by quoting it at length, on grace, probable opinions, and how to kill a man without breaking a commandment.
12 of 1693 works