The Pilgrim’s Progress, From This World to That Which is to Come [Bickers & Son Binding] [William Strang Illustrations]

Author: Bunyan, John

Publisher: John C. Nimmo

Condition: Near Fine
Jacket Condition: No Dust Jacket, As Issued

Bound by Bickers & Son in full blue morocco stamped in gilt, spine stamped and lettered in gilt, five raised bands, marbled endpapers, all edges gilt. Stamp signed in gilt on front turn-in. Illustrated by William Strang with 14 tissue-guarded plates. xii, 379 pp. 9 inches tall; Text-block 8.75 by 6.26 inches.   Near fine; The bindings are tight and square. Text is clean; light, even age-toning. Light rubbing to joints, small scuffs to bands; some leaves and plates toned; Bookplate on the front pastedown. Full Title: The Pilgrim’s Progress: From This World to That Which is to Come: Delivered Under the Similitude of a Dream: Wherein is Discovered the Manner of his Setting Out, His Dangerous Journey, and Safe Arrival at the Desired Country. The Pilgrim’s Progress, first published in 1678, is a cornerstone of Christian allegory. The story follows Christian on his spiritual journey toward salvation, symbolizing the Christian path to redemption. Bunyan’s portrayal of trials and temptations makes it both a powerful religious text and an enduring narrative. Themes of faith, perseverance, and divine grace resonate beyond theology, influencing literature and culture for centuries. Its lasting impact is evident in its continuous readership and adaptations, making it a monumental contribution to religious and literary traditions. Bickers & Son, a 19th-century English bookbinding firm, became renowned for high-quality craftsmanship, gilt-tooled designs, and luxurious leather bindings. Their work combined traditional techniques with innovative approaches, ensuring both beauty and durability, making their books highly collectible. William Strang (1859–1921), a Scottish artist and illustrator, was known for his expressive works, blending realism with mood and psychological depth. His illustrations for The Pilgrim’s Progress visually interpret the spiritual journey and moral struggles, highlighting the emotional intensity and inner conflicts in the text. Strang’s engravings reinforce the book’s themes of faith, redemption, and perseverance. Genres and Subjects: Allegory; Christian Literature; Religious Fiction; Philosophical Literature; Adventure Fiction; Classics; Didactic Literature; Christian Salvation; Faith and Redemption; Spiritual Journey; Temptation and Trials; Moral Struggles; Allegorical Characters; The Path to Heaven; Divine Grace; Inner Conflict; Religious Philosophy