The Book of Martyrs
Quick Summary
The Book of Martyrs is a graphic and polemic account of those who suffered for Protestantism by John Foxe. First published in Latin in 1554 and then in English in 1563, it became a widely read and influential text, often considered second only to the Bible in Puritan households.1
The book details the persecution of Protestants, primarily focusing on English martyrs from the 14th century up to the reign of Queen Mary I. It played a significant role in shaping English public opinion against Roman Catholicism and fueled anti-Spanish sentiment through its descriptions of the Inquisition. Foxe meticulously gathered his information from official registers and eyewitness accounts, making his work a valuable historical resource, despite criticisms of its bias and occasional credulity.1
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
