1794 JOHN BUNYAN. First American Edition of The Holy War, Made by Shaddai Upon Diabolus.

"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.