ABSTRACT
In 1559 Day had set the benchmark for illustrated books in England with the production of a visually impressive edition of William Cunningham’s Cosmographical Glasse.1 The patent for this work was crucial for Day, since its wording was vague, allowing him to legitimately print any number of new works, so long as they were at his expense. In order to maintain his position as the premier printer of lavishly illustrated books, Day needed to continue this level of quality wherever and whenever possible across these new works. Of course the Acts and Monuments (1563, 1570, 1576 and 1583) was covered by this patent and was the key work that established illustrations as an integral part of Day’s deluxe works throughout Elizabeth’s reign. Unfortunately, John Bettes the elder, who had provided many of the handsome illustrations for Cunningham’s book, died by the time plans for the second, enlarged edition of Foxe’s great martyrology were being put into action. Day therefore needed to look elsewhere to supply his increasing demand for quality illustrations after the first edition of Foxe’s martyrology.2
