I have been in the rare and antiquarian book business for over forty years; my family has been in the rare books business since 1876. Rare books are in my blood.
Pilgrim's Progress, The
London: Arthur L. Humphreys, 1906. Item #00852
An Elegantly Printed Edition of
One of the Most Significant Works of English Religious Literature
BUNYAN, John. The Pilgrim's Progress. [The Royal Library Chef D'Oeuvre Series]. London, Arthur L. Humphreys, 1906.
Octavo. (9 1/8 x 6 5/8 inches; 233 x 166 mm). [4], 327, [1 blank] pp. Title-page printed in red and black.
Bound by Bayntun in early twentieth-century three-quarter dark blue polished calf ruled in gilt over blue cloth boards. Spine with five raised bands and red and green morocco gilt lettering labels, marbled endpapers. Printed on handmade watermark rag paper. Top of spine and joints a little rubbed otherwise excellent.
An elegant and scholarly modern edition of The Pilgrim’s Progress, first published in 1678 and long recognized as one of the foundational works of English prose. Bunyan’s allegory - “from this world to that which is to come; delivered under the similitude of a dream” - follows Christian on his perilous journey toward the Celestial City, encountering temptation, despair, fellowship, and redemption along the way. Few works have exercised a wider or more enduring influence on English religious thought, language, and narrative form.
Issued as part of Arthur L. Humphreys’ Royal Library Chef-d’Œuvre Series, this edition exemplifies the Edwardian revival of fine bookmaking, combining careful typography, superior handmade paper, and restrained yet distinguished binding. In Bayntun’s polished calf, it stands as a particularly attractive copy - equally suited to the collector of fine bindings, the student of religious literature, or the reader seeking a dignified modern presentation of Bunyan’s immortal text.
Price: $275.00