The story begins with Folly, parading as a goddess and praising herself endlessly, arguing that life would be dull and distasteful without her. Praise of Folly is a satirical attack on superstitions and other traditions of European society as well as on the Western Church. The essay is filled with classical allusions delivered in a style typical of the learned humanists of the Renaissance.

Erasmus revised and extended Praise of Folly, which was originally written in the space of a week while sojourning with Sir Thomas More at More's house in Bucklersbury in the City of London. The title Moriae Encomium had a punning second meaning as In Praise of More. Praise of Folly is considered one of the most notable works of the Renaissance and played an important role in the beginnings of the Protestant Reformation, which stemmed from the foundation of critique which the essay laid against the practices of the Church and its political allies.

This case laminate collector's edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket.