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7. Developments in literacy, education, and communication. -//The Education of a Christian Prince// (Erasmus) 1504 // The Education of a Christian Prince // was written in 1504 by a Dutch humanist by the name of Desiderius Erasmus. This book portrays the development in literacy as Erasmus who was orphaned as a small boy was able to learn to read and write, creating this work of literature. This book is one of many of the books printed during the fifteenth and sixteenth century that all show the development and advancement of literacy in Europe. Erasmus’ ideas and thoughts in this book developed new views of education and the purpose of it. Erasmus believed that education was the key to moral and intellectual improvement. He though that education should be centered on the study of the Bible and classics. His words show a change in the meaning of education as it was more religion based. His books appealed to many people, mostly those with religious beliefs. His book was also a development in communication as people were able to read it and tell others about it or pass it on. The printed words of the book allowed people to communicate about them and learn about Erasmus’ view on education. MLA: McKay, John P. __A History of Western Society__. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 2003