Originally published in Dordrecht in 1660 in Dutch, this is the first edition printed in German. The work was compiled by Thieleman Braght from chronicles, memorials, and testimonies recording the history of martyrdom, with particular emphasis on the persecution of the Mennonite communities in Germany and Northern Europe. The title translates to, 'The Bloody Theatre or Martyrs Mirror of the Defenseless Christians who baptised only upon confession of faith, and who suffered and died for the testimony of Jesus, their Saviour, from the time of Christ to the year A.D. 1660.'

Next to the Bible, the Martyrs Mirror has historically held the most significant and prominent place in Amish and Mennonite homes.

First German-language edition; 2 vols in one, folio, (38.2 x 23.5 cm); woodcut frontispiece, woodcut device on titles, typographical ornaments to title and chapter sections, leaves toned, scattered foxing; contemporary calf over wooden boards, metal corner pieces, clasps missing, rebacked, overall a very good copy of a scarce work.