Fox's Book of Martyrs

A sweeping chronicle of religious intolerance, this volume traces the story of persecution from the first Christian martyr, Stephen, through the tumult of the Reformation and into the early nineteenth century. Drawing on Fox’s original compilation, the author trims antiquated language and adds contemporary research to present a clear, concise narrative. The tone is unapologetically critical of the forces that have repeatedly used violence to enforce doctrinal conformity.

The book brings vivid accounts of suffering across continents: the harsh crackdowns in the Swiss cantons, the trials of Methodist and Baptist missionaries in the West Indies, and the harrowing imprisonment of Asaad Shidiak, a Palestinian convert. It also links the broader social upheavals of the French Revolution to the relentless drive to silence dissenting faiths. These episodes illustrate a recurring pattern of oppression, regardless of the era or the ideology behind it.

Compiled from a range of primary sources, the work balances historical detail with readable prose, making it an engaging listen for anyone interested in the enduring struggle for religious liberty. It invites reflection on how intolerance has shaped, and continues to shape, the human story.