These volumes are concerned with literature and education. Each translation is introduced by the translator, and a general introduction by the editor discusses the significance of each of the works, its relation to the others, and its subsequent fortunes. Wallace K. Ferguson provides an introductory essay, 'The Works of Erasmus.'

Desiderius Erasmus (c. 1466–1536), a Dutch humanist, Catholic priest, and scholar, was one of the most influential Renaissance figures. A professor of divinity and Greek, Erasmus wrote, taught, and travelled, meeting with Europe’s foremost scholars. A prolific author, Erasmus wrote on both ecclesiastic and general human interest subjects.
Thompson Craig :

The late Craig R. Thompson was Emeritus Professor of English Literature, University of Pennsylvania. He was for many years a member of the Editorial Board of the Collected Works of Erasmus and has edited and translated a number of Renaissance texts, including the CWE 23-24.