This is a survey of martyrs over the past five hundred years with an emphasis on their 'last words.' Some of the trial statements or gallows speeches are remarkable for their eloquence under the circumstances. The approach of the book is chronological, from the burning at the stake of Joan of Arc in Rouen 1431 to the assassination of Yitzak Rabin in Tel Aviv in 1995. Religion was an important factor at the beginning and at the end. Modern martyrdom was, however, never solely religious. Non-conformity was usually seen in terms of politics rather than religion. Included are some forty individuals, European, American and Asian. The sections are organized thematically—martyrs of the Reformation era, revolutionary, royal and abolitionist martyrs, and finally universal martyrs. The majority of the martyrs died for nationalism and freedom. The book begins and ends with a discussion of the meaning and significance of martyrdom with a distinction made between victim and martyr.
