First edition of the first official Dutch Reformed Protestant martyrologium, composed by Abraham Mellinus (ca. 1580-1622). Born at Vlissingen, Mellinus studied at Leyden and became Minister at St. Anthonispolder and Cellartshoek. The present "first" volume of his "History of Christian Martyrs" runs to 1520, it is the only volume ever published. It was dedicated by the author to Prince Maurits of Orange and to the Synode of Dordrecht, who both rewarded the author with a good sum of money. The work showed great learning and was at the time much praised. The author planned to write a second volume but he died before this was really started. In 1622 Balthasar Lydius, Minister at Dordrecht, then was ordered to write the second volume but he also died, so a second volume never appeared.
Venitian solid binding, waterstains throughout the book. First 3 pages of the “voorreden” belong after the dedicatio tot he Prince of Orange. Last page of the third register has tears original flyleaves and original early 17th century ebru cover leaves.Otherwise in good condition. Scarce early 17th century item on the history of Christian Martyrs
With an engraved title-page and 106 very vivid woodcut illustrations of tortured and/or executed martyrs (several repeats), the text alternately set in roman and gothic type. Pages: [14], 632, [46]