The Prilgrim's Progress Illustrated Elstow Edition With Inscription

John Bunyan's The Pilgrim’s Progress with Inscriptions

“Warranted made of oak taken from Elstow Church previous to restoration 1880.”

Description and Context

The Pilgrim’s Progress, first published in 1678, is one of the most influential works of Christian literature in the English language. Written by John Bunyan while imprisoned for preaching without a license, the book is an enduring allegory of the Christian’s journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, its central character, Christian, faces trials, temptations, and encounters with figures such as Evangelist, Faithful, and Hopeful—each representing facets of faith and perseverance.

Bunyan’s vivid storytelling and scriptural grounding made The Pilgrim’s Progress instantly popular; it has never been out of print and has been translated into over 200 languages. Its second part, published in 1684, follows Christiana, Christian’s wife, and deepens the emotional and spiritual resonance of the work. Through its plain yet powerful prose, the book continues to speak to readers about redemption, endurance, and salvation.

John Bunyan (1628–1688) was an English preacher and writer whose humble origins as a Bedfordshire tinker shaped his accessible, heartfelt style. A steadfast Puritan and Nonconformist, Bunyan was imprisoned for twelve years for preaching outside the established Church of England. During this confinement in Bedford Jail, he composed The Pilgrim’s Progress and several other influential works. His writings—rooted in personal struggle, scripture, and faith—cemented his legacy as one of the most beloved voices in English devotional literature.

Physical Description:

Finely rebound in red morocco leather, with a panel of oak set into both covers, reputedly taken from Elstow Church, where Bunyan worshiped, “previous to restoration 1880.”

This piece has been rebound with the original leather being grafted on top of a modern canvas layer. This way allowing the original beauty of the wood panels and leather to maintain its elegance. While reinforcing the tome to be used by a modern reader.

All edges gilt. Illustrated throughout, with engraved visage faceplate of John Bunyan and numerous full-page plates. Decorated endpapers. There is a crack going along the face of John Bunyun (Please see above photos)

Condition: Very good. Some light rubbing to spine and covers, slight age fading, and minor foxing consistent with age. Binding firm and bright. A beautiful and complete example of this distinctive commemorative Elstow Edition.

Provenance / Significance

This 1880 commemorative edition was produced by John Walker & Co., London, to celebrate the restoration of Elstow Church—Bunyan’s home parish. The inlaid oak panels were cut from beams removed during restoration, making each copy a tangible connection to Bunyan’s spiritual home. Coveted by collectors for both its craftsmanship and its historic association.

More over there is a birthday inscription:

"Christina M. Dodds
A Birthday Gift From
her Father & Mother
Dumfries (Town in Scotland),
22nd March 1881."

Along with this inscription there were two 4 leaf clovers left behind as book marks within this book. Showing it was used and loved by its previous owners!

Dimensions: 19 × 13.5 x 4 cm

Publication: London: John Walker & Co.,1881

Language: English

Illustrations: Full-page engraved plates. Illustrations by W. Gunston and Others. Engraved by R. Paterson

Binding: Red morocco with gilt decoration, oak insets, all edges gilt, rebound onto red canvas.

Condition: Very good