The 1760 edition of The Book of Martyrs by John Foxe is a historic and highly collectible printing edited by the Calvinistic Methodist preacher Martin Madan. Originally titled Actes and Monuments and published in 1563, this specific 18th-century edition modernized the early English text to chronicle the lives, sufferings, and deaths of Christian and Protestant martyrs.
Key Details of the 1760 Edition
- The Editor: Preacher Martin Madan updated the phrasing to 18th-century English, making it more accessible to readers of that era.
- The Format: Typically printed as a large folio or multi-volume set, often containing detailed copperplate illustrations depicting scenes of martyrdom.
- The Narrative Scope: Covers early Christian persecutions under the Roman Empire (such as Nero) through medieval inquisitions and the executions under Queen Mary I.
Historical Significance
John Foxe’s work was immensely influential in shaping English Protestant identity. During the Elizabethan era, copies were frequently chained alongside the Bible in cathedrals for public reading. The 1760 edition reflects a mid-18th-century resurgence of evangelical interest in these historical accounts.
Collecting and Market Value
As an antique book over 260 years old, original copies of the 1760 printing are quite rare. If you are looking to appraise or acquire an original copy:
- Condition is Critical: The state of the leather binding, completeness of the pages, and the presence of the original copperplate engravings heavily impact its worth.
- Rarity: Fine condition copies are typically handled by antiquarian specialists like Bauman Rare Books or sourced through specialized platforms
