The pilgrim’s progress from this world to that which is to come : delivered under the similitude of a dream : wherein is discovered : I. The matter of his setting out : II. His dangerous journey : and
III. His safe arrival at the desired country : complete in two parts, with the life of the author prefixed, by John Bunyan. London : Printed by Browne and Coslett for T. Axtell, J. Whitaker, T. Waters, and R. Shaw, 1775.
Call Number: PR 3330 .A1 1775 pt.1-2, Rare Book Collection, The Byrne Fone Collection of Gay Studies.
Pilgrim’s Progress is a Christian allegory written by John Bunyan and published in February, 1678. It is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature, has been translated into more than 200 languages, and has never been out of print.
Special Collections has eleven editions of this work; with their publication dates spanning three centuries from 1775 to 1941. The Libraries’ oldest copy is the November Book of the Month, and it was donated to the Libraries by Byrne Fone in 2009.
The book is still cased in its original, simple and undecorated calf binding.
A red morocco leather piece with the partial title “PILGRIM’S PROGRESS” lettered in gilt is pasted to the spine.
On the title page, it states that the book is “A NEW AND NEAT EDITION. Adorned with curious Sculptures, engraved by E. Malpas.” Of note, on the verso of p. 103 are printed directions to the binders as to where to insert the engraved plates of the “curious Sculptures” — which the binder of this book faithfully did.
All copies of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress can be seen in the Binghamton University Libraries’ Special Collections (located on the second floor of the Bartle Library), Monday through Friday from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm.