The Big Book of Martyrs (Factoid Books) [Paperback]

John Wagner (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: DC Comics; First edition (October 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1563893606
• ISBN-13: 978-1563893605
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.5 x 10.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #190,294 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Informative, May 28, 2001

By 

Jonathan Schaper (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Big Book of Martyrs (Factoid Books) (Paperback)

It is my experience that this is the least popular of the Big Book series, usually because it treats its subject matter with a more serious tone than all the other books. However, being an information junkie who also appreciates good art, I feel that this book does a good job of delivering on both.

While I have never been accused of being the best of Christians, it is my opinion that this subject matter deserves to be treated seriously and respectfully given that it often involves telling the stories of people standing up for their message of love and peace at the threat of violence (a lesson less tolerant Christians can learn from).

Many of the saints should not be subject to criticism, regardless of the imperfect record of the Catholic church. That being said, not everyone who has been granted sainthood is really a saint. For example, some were mere barbarians respected by the Catholic church for their zeal in slaughtering innocent people of different faiths. But this book, while being respectful of the title of saint, does not cower from pointing out these occassional pieces of hypocrisy. Also included in this book is a chapter dealing with saints who were purely fictional (and are even recognized as such by the Catholic church) including the still popular St. Christopher (of the medallion fame), but I'd be surpised at anyone taking this as an attack on their faith.

Since this book is about the history of saints and the process (and politics) of cannonization, it is factual regardless of one's personal faith or lack thereof, but I am sure it appeals to Christians the most. But the interesting stories and artwork are worthwhile for anyone to experience, and, yes, even the nonreligious can find inspiration in tales of people standing up for their beliefs in the face of persecution, including those who have been targeted by the Catholic church.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Clever Way to Retell the Lives of Christian Martyrs, April 9, 2002

By 

Luis Hernandez (New York, New York, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Big Book of Martyrs (Factoid Books) (Paperback)

While many students might find reading about the lives of early or memorable Christians boring or time-consuming, the stories of religion's greatest heroes must not be forgotten. "The Big Book of Martyrs" is an excellent book to have especially if you have children or young adults who find reading a comic book much more interesting and entertaining.

Illustrated in the form of comic strips, The stories of many great and memorable Christian martyrs such as Joan of Arc and St. Paul are told in a respectful, interesting manner. Using dialogue and excellent pencil drawings, the lives of these martyrs comes to life as the reader becomes very interested with every page they turn.

Illustrated by over fifty of the world's top comic artists, "The Big Book of Martyrs" is an excellent companion book to have around when studying theology. It hits all the right spots when covering the lives of every subject featured in the book, and it is overwhelmingly entertaining. The book should be popular with the young adult crowd due to the fact that the book is composed of comic strips, however adults shouldn't rule it out of their reading lists.

Overall, this is a great book to have. It will provide countless times of very inspirational and educational reading to anyone who picks it up.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Respectful and factual and accurate., April 16, 1999

By 

Robert D. Downing "The Judge Dude" (Baton Rouge, La) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Big Book of Martyrs (Factoid Books) (Paperback)

Most current books of this type belittle Christianity. This book is respectful. It carefully distinguishes fact from legend. I've read many history books and this summarizes all you will really remember from a big thick book and the pictures actually help you remember the story.