Bunyan’s Choice Works: The Pilgrim’s Progress, The Holy War, The Barren Fig-Tree, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, and Heart’s Ease in Heart Trouble.

BUNYAN, John.

$1,600.00

Item Number: 148101

Glasgow: James Semple, c.1880.

Finely bound edition of one of the most significant works of religious English literature. Quarto, bound in full morocco with gilt titles and tooling to the spine in six compartments within raised gilt bands, gilt titles and tooling to the front panel, metal rim and double clasp to the boards, all edges gilt, profusely illustrated with in text woodcuts and full page chromolithograph plates. In near fine condition. An exceptional presentation.

First published in 1678, John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress remains one of the most significant works of theological fiction in English literature, as well as one of the progenitors of the narrative aspect of Christian media. It has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print. It appeared in Dutch in 1681, in German in 1703 and in Swedish in 1727. The first North American edition was issued in 1681. “Bunyan wrote this book in Bedford Gaol, which may bring hope and consolation to some of the myriads of those imprisoned for conscience’ sake since his day… the early demand for the book was not from the learned, but from the pious and the young. It was at first fashionable to sneer at Bunyan as a writer, but the approval of such as Swift, Johnson and Walpole marked a change. Now it is universally known and loved, and the parable of salvation is accepted by all denominations” (PMM 156). It has also been cited as the first novel written in English.