Fate, Faction, and Fiction in Foxe's Book of Martyrs

Bibliographic Data

ID8958255
AuthorsThomas S Freeman (University of Sheffield, corresponding author)
Year2000
Volume43
Issue3
Pages601-623
Publication date2000-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueThe Historical Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0018-246X • E-ISSN: 1469-5103
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s0018246x99001296
OpenAlexW1992392889
LanguageEN
Citations received13

The tales of divine judgements on sinners which are found throughout John Foxe's famous martyrology, the Acts and monuments , and also collected in a concluding appendix to the work, have often been dismissed as the products of gossip, while Foxe's printing of them has been traditionally regarded as an idiosyncratic, but ultimately insignificant, aberration in his historical writing. After examining the sources for two of these stories of providential punishment, this article will argue that some of the anecdotes of divine retribution printed in Acts and monuments were sent to Foxe in pursuit of local feuds and private grievances, arising from personal hatreds and prospects of material gain as well as religious conflict. After examining the changes made to these stories in the different editions of Acts and monuments , this article will maintain that such providential stories were central, rather than marginal, features of Foxe's work and thought. It is hoped that this article will offer a fresh perspective on Foxe's editorial practices, on the accuracy of Acts and monuments and also on the conflicting objectives of Foxe and his informants

Art · Economic Justice · Gossip · Literature · Perspective (graphical · Political science · Punishment (psychology · Retributive justice · Sociology · Visual arts · History · Irish and British Studies · Law · Medieval Literature and History · Psychology · Reformation and Early Modern Christianity · Social Psychology

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