John Bunyan
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The John Bunyan collections in Bedford Central Library
Bedford
Central Library is extremely fortunate in having two remarkable collections of
Bunyan literature. These are the Frank Mott Harrison Collection and the George
Offor Collection. In addition the Local Studies Library holds many 20th century
editions of Bunyan's works as well as recent biographical and critical studies.
Frank Mott Harrison was one of the leading Bunyan scholars of the 20th century and in 1938 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of Bunyan's death he bequeathed his collection of some one thousand items to Bedford Central Library. The texts of Bunyan's writings are arranged in chronological order of publication of the first edition. Of the sixty works written by Bunyan twenty-seven are in the collection including fourteen first editions. Among these are "Some Gospel Truths Opened", 1656, the first work written by Bunyan and "The Acceptable Sacrifice", 1689, the last work he saw through the press but which was actually published after his death.
Among the editions of the Pilgrim's Progress are: the 22nd edition published in 1728, which contains the first attempt at engraved illustrations in England; an "improved language" edition, 1811; an 1861 edition illustrated by J.D. Watson (this was the illustrator's own copy and has some extra illustrations); an 1885 edition for the price of 1d; a 1941 edition prepared especially for presentation to members of the forces only and an undated edition "for the little ones in words of one syllable".
There are large sections on both critical and biographical works. One of the most interesting sections covers contemporary works of Bunyan interest including a copy of "The Plain-Man's Pathway to Heaven", 1654, which was one of the two books Bunyan's first wife had as her dowry. There are also sections on verse adaptations, dramatic and musical arrangements and works similar in conception to "The Pilgrim's Progress" and imitations. Among these is "Two Little Pilgrims' Progress: a story of the City Beautiful" written by Francis Hodgson Burnett the author of "Little Lord Fauntleroy".
There is also a small section on novels which feature John Bunyan, among them the delightful "The King's Highway: a romantic novel", 1930 written by May Wyne in which the preacher John Bunyan is befriended by a highwayman called Grey Mask. Dr. Harrison was interested in every aspect of "Bunyaniana" which explains the presence in the collection of a card came called "Progress" based on John Bunyan's book. Although there are a few translations of Bunyan's works this is the area in which the collection is the weakest.
George Offor was the leading Bunyan editor of the 19th century. After his death in 1864 his library, including some 500 Bunyan items, was sent for sale at Sotheby's in June 1865. On the third day of the sale most of the Bunyan items were destroyed or damaged by fire in the auction rooms.
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Page last updated: 23rd January 2014