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The Reformation Collection: Cranmer

An introduction to primary sources at L. Tom Perry Special Collections

Selected Special Collections Holdings

Thomas Cranmer, 1489-1556

A defence of the true and Catholike doctrine of the sacrament of the body and bloud of our sauiour Christ. London: Reyner Wolfe, 1550.

A treatise on the Anglican communion which Cranmer wrote in response to a work entitled An explication and assertion of the true catholique fayth, touchyng the moost blessed sacrament of the aulter by Stephen Gardiner, a Catholic.

  • Call number: Vault Collection 265.3 C851 1550

(Great Bible). The Byble in Englishe, that is, the olde and new Testament. London: Edward Whitchurch, 1549.

The first authorized English translation of the Bible, to be used by the newly-formed Church of England, was first published in 1539. Because subsequent editions carry a preface by Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury, this translation is also known as Cranmer’s Bible.

  • Call number: Vault Collection Quarto 220.51 G798 1549

(Book of Common Prayer). The Booke of Common prayer and administration of the Sacraments: the order where morning and evening prayer shall be used and said. London: Robert Barker, ca. 1610.

During the reign of Edward VI (1547-53), all churches were required to use the Book of Common Prayer. The compilation of the text was primarily Cranmer’s work. Though banned during the reign of Mary I (1553-58), the Book of Common Prayer was reinstated, in a slightly altered form, by Elizabeth I in 1559.

  • Call number: Vault Collection 220.51 G286 1610

HBLL Databases

HBLL Print Resources

The Work of Thomas Cranmer. Courtenay Library of Reformation Classics, vol. 2. Edited by G. E. Duffield. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1965.

  • HBLL Stacks BX 5037 .C76