Holy War Shaddai Upon Diabolus 1794 Portsmouth NH John Bunyan rare American book
Brian DiMambro- Antiquarian Books, Maps & Prints(Old Books, 18th Century Books, Religion, Christianity, John Bunyan, Leather Book Bindings).
The Holy War Made by Shaddai upon Diabolus for the Regaining of the Metropolis of the World; or, the Losing and Taking Again of the Town of Mansoul, by John Bunyan.
Published 1794, Portsmouth, New Hampshire by John Melcher.
333 pages. Text in English.
A rare 18th century American imprint.
Period full leather binding, smooth spine, remnants of original spine morocco title label.
Book is in very worn, poor condition. Still structurally sound, but with strong crease down spine center. Leather covers dried and scuffed, spine ends chipped, book opens to title page and ends with final text leaf. Various age flaws to text block which has clearly been much thumbed and read. Signatures protruding, shaken, edge wear with several leaves displaying slight loss of text along fore edge, some old staining, etc.
Offered as acquired due to rarity of the imprint. A good example of just how worn an American book of this era can get while still (just barely) surviving as an intact object as issued. Likely an early owner's prized book possession, literally read to the point of falling apart.
Book displays a unique age patina that is utterly fascinating, one of a kind.
Please review photos for more detail and our best attempt to convey how this antique item survives.
Book Measures c. 7" H x 4" W.
[B1019].