"If The Pilgrim's Progress had never been published, The Holy War would be the best allegory ever written." Thomas Babington Macaulay (1800-1859).

A superbly preserved first American edition of The Holy War (1682), a sequel or companion to The Pilgrim’s Progress. The Holy War was in many ways a continuation of the former. If The Pilgrim's Progress had explored the way and difficulty of individual salvation, The Holy War attempted to describe the struggle to live a spiritual life in a sensorial world, dominated by evil influence at every gate, that is entrance to the human interior . . . the eye gate, ear gate, etc.

In newly independent America, with its strong Puritan and Nonconformist heritage — especially in New England — such a work would have resonated deeply. Publishing it domestically rather than importing it from Britain was also a mild assertion of cultural independence.

A significant imprint, by John Melcher. He was the first state-printer of New Hampshire and described as a very exact and accurate craftsman. This production shows it. It is a clear, clean, uncomplicated production, designed for ease of use and reading.

Desirable, rather rare in the trade, and a very nicely preserved example.

Bunyan, John. The Holy War, Made by Shaddai upon Diabolous, for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World; or, The Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul. Portsmouth, New-Hampshire. Printed by John Melcher, and for Sale at His Office in Market-Street: Also, for Sale at the Book-Stores of David West, and of John West, in Boston, 1794. 333pp + 2 Hymns. 

An exceptionally well-preserved example in original full calf, nicely patinated from handling, with a simple morocco title to the spine reading "Holy War." Blank ffep lacking. Two leaves, pp.21-24 with small loss at corner just affecting a few words. Else quite clean and nicely preserved.