Foxe's Book of Martyrs: A Lifetime Copy

For almost all of its existence, John Foxe’s (1517-87) ecclesiastical history, Actes and Monuments, has been known simply as the Book of Martyrs.


For almost all of its existence, John Foxe’s (1517-87) ecclesiastical history, Actes and Monuments, has been known simply as the Book of Martyrs.

Published early in the reign of Elizabeth I, an era when the official religion had changed four times in less than 30 years, Foxe’s powerful Protestant polemic with its narrative of the martyred English, Bloody Mary and the enemy overthrown helped to frame the popular consciousness for over 400 years. English xenophobia and the fear of harbouring citizens bearing allegiance to foreign powers is anchored here. 

 John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs Binding

 

Following its first printing by John Day in 1563, edition followed edition. However, it is those copies published within the author’s lifetime which today command a premium. 

The copy of Actes and Monuments sold in our Books & Maps sale on September 26 is from the third of four lifetime editions. This 1576 version amounted to a budget reprint of the much-expanded second edition published six years earlier in response to Foxe’s many Catholic critics. Running to 2300 pages, two volumes and 150 illustrations, copies were commonly chained beside the Great Bible  in cathedrals, churches and guild halls to be read and cited by ecclesiastical and common folk alike.

Pages from John Foxe’s Book of Martyrs

The copy has since been bound as a single volume. While lacking the title pages, it retained the 138 folios carrying one or more of the famous woodcuts. The hammer price was £1000 plus buyers premium.

Contact: rarebooks@sworder.co.uk 

 

 


 

Recent News

 

Josef Sudek | The 'Poet of Prague' at Auction This July

Our upcoming 9 July sale 'DREAMS | A Unique Private Collection' will feature a remarkable group of photographic prints by Josef Sudek (1896–1976).

17 June 2025

A Season of Distinction

Over the past six months, Sworders has delivered a remarkable series of single-owner sales - each defined by a unique story and outstanding results, yet all unified by our expert market insight, meticulous presentation, and personalised client service.

12 June 2025

Designing Chandigarh

A unique offering of two private collections of Pierre Jeanneret (1896-1967) furniture, in our 8 July Design auction, provides buyers with the opportunity to acquire an important and iconic piece of design history.

9 June 2025

 


 

Get Sworders News