A very nicely preserved set of the first edition of the collected works of John Bunyan. Not only the first edition, but beautifully illustrated, imposing on the shelf, and with a Recommendatory Preface by George Whitefield. This is, to our recollection, the only time Whitefield provided something like this for a publication, speaking to his high regard for the "immortal dreamer" and his works. 

Bunyan, John. The Works Of that eminent Servant of Christ, Mr. JOHN BUNYAN, Minister of the Gospel, and formerly Pastor of a Congregation at Bedford. With Copper-Plates, adapted to the Pilgrim’s Progress, the Holy War, &c. In Two Volumes. The Third Edition [More Properly, the Third Printing of the First Edition]: The Divine Emblems, and Several other Pieces, which were never printed in any former Collection. With a Recommendatory Preface, By the Reverend George Whitefield, M. A. Chaplain to the Right Honourable the Countess of Huntingdon. London. Printed for W. Johnston, in Ludgate Street; and E. and C. Dilly, in the Poultry, near the Mansion-House 1767-8. 856 + 882pp.

A superbly attractive two volume set in imposing folio format, measuring 15 inches in height.. Each volume handsomely rebacked, with modern morocco and gilt title labels to spines, with the contemporary leather boards retained. Boards are rubbed, but attractive as shown with some consolidation and repair to the corners and edges. Else the bindings are firm and attractive.

Internally, there are crisp recent endpapers and blanks to the front and rear of each. The first and last few leaves in each are browned, foxed, grubby, with some splashes, and grubby smudging in places. The frontispiece and title page in volume I have been tightly bound at inner edges and are slightly stiff to open. There are library markings and stamps to verso of both title pages. Also in both volumes, there is a little scattered pale staining in places, with some scattered foxing, which is a little heavier to, and around some of the engraved plates, as usual. A couple plates closely trimmed as shown. There is some corner creasing to the lower fore edge corner to the rear of volume I. One plate in volume I has a short edge margin tear. All this is to be clear, but this is a very nicely preserved example of a now-scarce and desirable set. 

Volume 1 has an engraved frontispiece, and 6 plates (5 of which have multiple illustrations). Volume 2 has 2 plates (1 with multiple illustrations) a half page illustration and a number of charming woodcuts. All as called for. 

  Volume 1 contains: Grace abounding to the chief of sinners. A confession of my faith, and a reason of my practice. Differences in judgment about water-baptism, no bar to communion. Peaceable principles and true. The doctrine of the law and grace unfolded. The Pilgrim's Progress. The Jerusalem sinner saved. The heavenly footman. Solomon's temple spiritualized. The acceptable sacrifice. Sighs from hell. Come and welcome to Jesus Christ. A discourse upon the Pharisee and the publican. Of justification by an imputed righteousness. Paul's departure and crown. Of the Trinity and a Christian. Of the law and a Christian. Israel's hope encouraged. The life and death of Mr. Badman. The barren fig-tree. An exhortation to peace and unity. One thing is needful.

Volume 2 contains: The Holy War. The desire of the righteous granted. The saint's privilege and profit. Christ a compleat saviour. The saints knowledge of Christ's love. A discourse of the house of the forest of Lebanon. Of Anti-Christ and his ruin. Saved by grace. Christian behaviour. A discourse touching prayer. The strait gate. Some gospel-truths opened. A vindication of gospel-truths opened. Light for them that sit in darkness. Instruction for the ignorant. The holy city. The resurrection of the dead and eternal judgment. A caution to stir up to watch against sin. An exposition on the ten first chapters of Genesis, and part of the eleventh. The work of Jesus Christ as an advocate. Seasonable counsel. Divine emblems. Mr. Bunyan's last sermon. Ebal and Gerizzim. Prison meditations.