This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/1/2023
[BINDINGS]. BUNYAN, John (1628-1688). The Pilgrim’s Progress. With A Life of John Bunyan by Robert Southey. London: John Murray and John Major, 1830.
2 parts in 2 volumes, large 8vo (221 x 137 mm). EXTRA-ILLUSTRATED WITH 178 PLATES. 20th century chocolate morocco paneled in blind and in gilt with corner ornaments, spines in 6 compartments with raised bands, gilt-lettering in two, gilt centerpiece crosses and blindstamping in others, top edge gilt, turn-ins gilt, GILT STAMP-SIGNED BY W. ROOT & SON; with cloth wrappers and slipcase.
FIRST MAJOR EDITION and the first appearance of A Life by Southey. Sir Walter Scott wrote of this edition that it was “adorned with a great variety of woodcuts, designed and executed with singular felicity, and with some highly finished engraving after the rich and imaginative pencil of John Martin. Thus decorated and recommended by the taste and criticism of Mr. Southey, it might seem certain that the established favourite of the common people should be well received among the upper classes” (Quarterly Review, October 1830, 494).