‘Ten Reasons’ [Rationes Decem]

Campion_Decem Rationes_Bamburgh_Select_61.3_Title.tif

Title

‘Ten Reasons’ [Rationes Decem]

Subject

A dangerous book

Description

Campion’s treatise Rationes Decem set out ten arguments against Protestantism and was printed on a secret press at Stonor House in Oxfordshire in 1581. In June, a friend placed copies on the benches of St Mary’s University Church, where candidates of the University went to defend their theses before graduation. Campion was challenging Protestant theologians to debate the issues dividing the two faiths. A debate did take place, but only after Campion had been tortured in the Tower. The Protestant government – questionably – declared victory.

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Publisher

Museum of Oxford

Rights

Durham Unviersity Library, Bamburgh Select.61/3

Photo credit: Reproduced by permission of the Trustees of Lord Crewe’s Charity and of Durham University Library and Collections

Alt text

The title page of an old printed book. 'Rationes Decem' is written at the top, beginning a longer Latin title. An illustration below contains the letters 'IHS'. On the right-hand edge, 'Edmund Campion' is written by hand repeatedly.

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