A boke made by John Fryth, prysoner in the Tower of London answerynge unto M. Mores letter, which he wrote agaynst the fyrste lytle treatyse that John Fryth made, concernynge the sacramente of the body and bloude of Christ

A rare, first‑hand account from a 16th‑century prisoner, this manuscript captures the intense theological debate that landed its author in the Tower of London. John Fryth writes in a vivid, polemical style, challenging the prevailing doctrine of the Eucharist by insisting that belief in the literal presence of Christ’s body and blood in the host is not essential for salvation. His arguments, framed as a response to a fellow clergyman’s letter, blend scriptural exegesis with personal conviction, offering an unmistakable glimpse into the religious turbulence of Henry VIII’s England.

Beyond the dense theological discourse, the text reveals the personal stakes of dissent: Fryth’s own trial before the bishops of London, Winchester, and Lincoln, his condemnation, and the looming threat of execution. Listeners will hear a voice that is both erudite and desperate, reflecting the fear and hope of a man who believed his ideas could reshape faith even as they marked him for death. The work stands as a compelling snapshot of an era when questioning core doctrine could mean imprisonment—or worse.