Customer Reviews

Foxe's Book of Martyrs

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As editor of The New Foxes Book of Martyrs, I feel I need to protest Amazon's inclusion of reader's reviews that have absolutely nothing to do with that book and are, therefore, totally misleading. There are reader's comments regarding the inclusion of a chapter about John Calvin, which The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs does NOT have. One reviewer even makes remarks about it being published by Thomas Nelson Publishers, but The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs that you picture on this page was published by Bridge-Logos Publishers. The last reviewer criticizes the The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs strongly for not containing information about William Tyndale and Thomas Cranmer and others, which it clearly and definitely does contain. Another reviewer even says the book lists no editor, and my name is clearly on the cover and on the inside. Perhaps only 3-4 of these reviews are actually about The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs. So obviously Amazon has simply thrown together all reviews of all versions of Foxe's book and not the reviews of only The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs. So I wish to protest strongly Amazon's having done so since they discredit not only my work as editor of The New Foxe's Book of Martyrs, but they obviously harm the potential sales of the book. Harold J. Chadwick 4/12/2005

John Foxe's Book of Martyrs is indeed a classic of Christian literature. John Foxe was born in 1517 and died in 1587. John Foxe documented the persecutions of Christians from the foundation of the church through his time. Outside of the Bible itself, this is one of the few books every Christian should read. From time to time the book has been updated to cover generations John would not live to see. While this book is a worthy read - be aware that this is not a faithful word for word reprint of the original works but as the cover says a rewrite. If you are interested in a rendition which remains more faithful to the the original author's words, look for a reprinted edition edited by (co-author) William Forbush.

Readers of John Foxe's book of martyres should realize that the most complete edition of this work was published in the 1800s and comprised 8 volumes. A bound photocopy of that edition is available from Still Waters Revival Books in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They have a web site. The present edition is a small sampling of the real Foxe.

I was disappointed in the "New" Foxe's Book of Martrys. I read an older version in my teens. This one has been heavily edited, especially the early church martrydom's. If you're looking for more recent historical information this may be a good book but for early church information go to another edition.

Some historians have pointed out that Foxe was biased against Catholics. Although his personal conflict against Catholicism likely drove his effort to put this book together, one has to recognize that the very abuses described in this book are a large part of WHY he was set against Catholicism in his own day in the first place. So far as I know, most or all of the stories of burning heretics, which Foxe describes, are true. All of which is a part of what Pope John Paul II has begun apologizing for at the change of the millennium.

But Foxe also spends an equal amount of time retelling the stories of Christians who were killed for their faith during the days of ancient Rome. As a result, I don't think the book builds Roman Catholic resentment in most readers. Instead, it reveals the real fabric of Christian faith. Those who like only a rosey picture of the Church are no different than those who like only a rosey picture of the real world we live in. This book describes the dark times in Christian history, but the light is never lost in that darkness. And that is what this book is really about--the inability of the darkness to snuff out the light of true faith--whether it is an internal darkness within the Church or an external darkness that tries to engulf the Church.

I first read this book when I was in the 8th grade; I am now 31. I have reread this book several times because I never want to forget the martyrs who died for their faith. This book impacted my life greatly and reminded me how important it is to stand up for my faith no matter the cost.

This book should be read by everyone who calls themselves "Christian."Anytime I get to feeling life is too tough,and I start feeling like God isn't close,this book and the book of Job are the books to get me back to reality.When you read the book of martyrs and you read the horrible ways these Christians were tortured and killed you realize you have no reason to complain and every reason to be thankful.Thankful not only to Jesus Christ and the apostles, but to the Christians all over the world who are being killed every day for the Gospel.If you have ever wondered how the apostles died, this book tells you.Incidentally, John was the only apostle who died of old age.Humbling and educational

Gripping and insightful, it delivers more than the story of martyrs for the faith. Yes, it's stylized writing for its time and narrowly focuses on a subject designed specifically to encourage the pious protestant through hardship. This classic study is also a fascinating revelation of human behavior and power politics. Focused mainly on the realm of Bloody Mary, it reveals control freaks at their worst - forcing not just what you do, but what you think. As we watch this abysmal pattern of behavior playing out again across the middle east, it's more timely reading than you'd think. It's profoundly moving and highly recommended.

Foxe's Book of Martyrs was often read from as a family after reading the Bible. It reminds us that living the Christian life always costs something. I also remind my own children that there have been more Christian Martyrs in the past century than any other century. Christians around the world are dying for Christ everyday.

I gave this version of the book as graduation presents with gift cards inside. The book is hardcover and is in readable English, unlike some older translations. I highly recommend this copy for gifts.

A great preacher once said that if you only read three books in your entire life, they should be: The Holy Bible, The Pilgrim's Progress, and Foxe's Book of Martyrs. Get to work!!!