This work offers an in-depth exploration of the Book of Martyrs, detailing its compilation, printing, and publication processes. It examines the illustrations that accompany the text and analyzes the reception of the book throughout history. The study highlights the significance of this influential work in shaping perceptions of martyrdom and its impact on religious and cultural discourse.
Exploring the intersection of religious debate and visual satire, this new study delves into Milton's epic, examining how these elements shape its themes and interpretations. The analysis highlights the cultural and historical context of the work, offering fresh insights into its significance and the impact of contemporary artistic expressions on Milton's narrative. Through this lens, readers gain a deeper understanding of the epic's complexities and its commentary on religion and society.
This book delves into the intricate history of the Book of Martyrs, exploring its compilation, the process of printing and publication, and the illustrations that accompany it. It also examines the reception of this significant work, providing insights into its impact and legacy within historical and religious contexts. Through detailed analysis, it sheds light on how the Book of Martyrs has been perceived and its role in shaping public understanding of martyrdom.
The consumption of books is closely intertwined with the material conditions of their production. The Tudor period saw both revolutionary progress in printing technology and the survival of traditional forms of communication from the manuscript era. Offering a comprehensive account of Tudor book culture, these new essays by experts in early book history consider the formative years of English printing; book format, marketing, and the reception of books; print, politics, and patronage; and connections between reading and religion. They challenge the conventional view of the 1557 foundation of the Stationers' Company as an event that marks a shift between older and newer modes of book production, sale, and reading. Both continuity and change led to the gradual development of late medieval book culture into the genuinely early modern book culture that emerged by the death of Queen Elizabeth.