Physical description

The Pilgrims Progress
Author: John Bunyan
Curated By: Rev. Robert Philip
Publisher: George Virtue
Date: 1850
Further Information: Red hardcover with a red spine and reinforced corners, lettering in gilt. The spine has a Library label with an inscription.

Publication type

fiction

Inscriptions & markings

The label on the spine cover with handwritten F 823 BUN
Paste down front end paper has a sticker from Warrnambool Mechanics Institute and Free Library covered by a sticker from Corangamite Regional Library Service
Front loose end paper has a stamp from Corangamite Regional Library Service

Summary

Written in 1678, The Pilgrim's Progress is a deeply influential Christian allegory that tracks the spiritual journey of a man named Christian.
Weighed down by a crushing burden on his back (representing his sins), Christian flees his home in the "City of Destruction", after reading a holy book. Guided by the evangelist Evangelist, he embarks on a perilous trek toward the Celestial City (Heaven). Along the way, his journey brings him face-to-face with a cast of characters who personify spiritual triumphs and trials, such as Faithful, Hopeful, Mr Worldly Wiseman, and Giant Despair. He must navigate legendary, treacherous obstacles like the Slough of Despond, the temptations of Vanity Fair, and a terrifying battle with the demon Apollyon.
The narrative is structured as a dream sequence experienced by the narrator. Because the second half follows Christian's wife, Christiana, and their children on the same path, it functions as both an adventure tale and a road map for the Puritan concept of salvation.
It should be noted that the 1850 George Virtue printing is a classic example of a mid-Victorian luxury reprint. It is highly notable because it was curated by the popular non-conformist minister and author Rev. Robert Philip.