Ecclesiasticall History, conteyning the Actes & Monumentes of Martyrs, with a generall discourse of these latter persecutions, horrible troubles and tumults...etc.

by John Foxe (1516-1587)

Better known as "Foxe's Book of Martyrs", this was the most influential Protestant text for some three centuries, second only to the Bible itself. The monumental work is especially remarked for its grisly tales and images of martyrdom at the hands of Catholic authorities.

The copy for sale is from the third edition of 1576 (there were four editions produced by Foxe in his lifetime). This was originally bound as two volumes but at some point, probably in the early 17th century, the two parts were rebound into one book. 

The texts are almost entirely complete, but with flaws as described below and as seen in the photos. In any condition this is an extremely rare set. Individual leaves from the third edition sell for $75 to $500 each.

The covers show general wear, with leather splitting at the hinges. The text remains firmly bound. The title page of volume one is missing and the title page to volume two was inserted in its place, so that the book opens on this page. The text has occasional tears and some missing chips in the margins; a few pages have more serious material loss, including one leaf (photo #12), missing its bottom third. There is scattered staining and discoloration. On a few pages marginal notes have been made; one note is dated in 1709, and others look even older (photo #13). The last page bears the signature of Lady Elizabeth Middleton, the book's original owner. 

In all, not in bad shape for a well-used book 450 years old. Highly sought and rarely found in any condition.

This is a massive volume, 9" X 13" X 4", over 2,000 pages, weighing more than ten pounds. 

Ships promptly & securely.