1763 Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan - Illustrated Antique Book - 263 Years Old

With a fascinating history, here is an antique copy of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress. Being 263 years old, printed for "D Bunyan" London in 1763. With engraved illustrations and in the original leather binding. Condition in detail below.

This specific imprint reveals a fascinating, highly specific chapter in publishing history.
The name "D. Bunyan" on the title page is actually a pseudonym used by an unprincipled 18th-century printer to trick original 18th century buyers. John Bunyan died in 1688. By 1763, his book was a bestseller. To bypass strict copyright laws and capitalize on the author's famous name, a pirate printer invented a fake publisher named "D. Bunyan" operating out of Fleet Street, London.

Modern antiquarian book collectors love these editions because they are fantastic examples of 18th-century literary piracy.

The "D. Bunyan" edition is unique because it is usually bound as "The Fifty-Fourth Edition" and contains a controversial "Third Part". This third section was entirely forged by an anonymous author after John Bunyan's death. It is present in this particular copy. This and the woodcut illustrations make this a highly collectable edition.

Inside the pages are clean and tightly bound. Has a repaired tear to the title page, and one other early page (see photos). With the occasional other small tear to a page edge. Has the remains of a bookplate which has been partially removed on the front paste down. Inked name to the top of the title page.

In the original calf leather binding. Has a cracked front joint - but the front board remains firmly attached. Partially cracked rear joint. Five raised bands to spine and the remains of a Moroccan leather title plate (see photos). Some scuffing to the leather, in particular the spine, and some wear and a little loss to the leather on the corners and spine ends.

Your antique copy of The Pilgrim's Progress will be wrapped with care in tissue and ribbon* and sent well packaged. I am always happy to add a gift card with a message to the parcel if desired.

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H 21.5 cm x 13.5 cm, 304 pages 0.51 kg. I dispatch worldwide daily from the UK, with the exception of a small number of countries.

* If you would prefer for your book not to be decoratively wrapped but sent simply in the full protective packaging please add a note to the order.

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