FOXE, John (1516/1517–1587). [Book of Martyrs; or,] Acts and monuments of matters most special and memorable happening in the Church… London: printed for the Company of Stationers, 1684. 3 volumes, folio in sixes (381 x 236 mm). General title printed in red and black, engraved portrait frontispiece of Foxe in Volume I by I. Sturt, 4 engraved plates (2 folding), numerous in text engravings. Early speckled calf, 7 compartments with 6 raised bands, gilt lettering pieces, all edges red (separation along joints, extremities rubbed with scuffing to boards, lacking lettering pieces containing title in second compartment). Provenance: Sir Edward Winnington (bookplate and signature on title). Ninth edition of Foxe’s “Acts and Monuments”, better known as his “Book of Martyrs”, first published in Strasbourg in 1554 as a history of persecution and crimes against Protestants in England and throughout Europe. This present edition is the first English edition to use roman typefaces as previous editions were printed in “black letter” gothic typefaces and is the final edition to be printed by the London Stationer’s Company. For the next two centuries, the work was “one of the most widely read books in England. The lively style of book, not to mention the gruesome illustrations, influenced the minds of people in all classes of society…” (PMM). ESTC R3576; PMM 86 (first edition).