Tyndale, Erasmus, and the Early English Reformation

Abstract

Abstract This essay reconsiders the relationship between William Tyndale, the English reformer and bible translator, and Erasmus of Rotterdam. Modern Tyndale biographers have distorted their account of this relationship because of their commitment to interpreting events associated with Tyndale through a hagiographical lens. The essay reviews evidence of Tyndale’s knowledge of Erasmus’ writings and argues that Tyndale used Erasmus to support his positions, but also differed from him when occasion demanded. Diglot bibles printed from the 1530s to c. 1550 paired Tyndale’s and Erasmus’ bible translations beside each other and thereby established an interpretation that has endured into modern times.