Common questions about Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Short answers, pulled from the story.

When was Foxe's Book of Martyrs first published?

The first edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs was released in March 1563. This initial volume contained over 1,800 pages and was published by John Day.

What was the full title of the work by John Foxe?

The full title of the work is Actes and Monuments of these Latter and Perillous Days, Touching Matters of the Church. This title reflects the book's purpose as a historical record and polemic against Catholic influence.

How many woodcut illustrations were included in the 1570 edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs?

The 1570 edition of Foxe's Book of Martyrs included 150 woodcuts. These images were newly cut to depict specific details and served as visual proof of the suffering inflicted upon Protestants.

Who was the Catholic critic that attacked Foxe's Book of Martyrs?

Thomas Harding was the prominent Catholic critic who attacked Foxe's Book of Martyrs. He described the book as a huge dunghill of stinking martyrs full of a thousand lies.

Where were copies of Foxe's Book of Martyrs chained for public access?

Copies of Foxe's Book of Martyrs were chained to the desks of cathedral churches, select churches, and several bishops' and guild halls. This practice ensured the text remained accessible to all who sought the truth of the Protestant cause.

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