At a Sotheby’s auction in London, Mr. Quaritch acquired the first perfect copy of John Bunyan’s *Pilgrim’s Progress* for £6,800. Only four such flawless copies are known worldwide, making this sale a landmark event in literary history.
Key Takeaways
- The first perfect copy of Pilgrim’s Progress fetched £6,800 at Sotheby’s.
- Buyer: Mr. Quaritch, who now owns one of only four known perfect copies.
- The work remains a seminal text in 17th‑century religious literature.
London, July 27, 1926 – In a historic Sotheby’s auction, John Quaritch paid £6,800 for the first perfect edition of Pilgrim’s Progress. The price set a new benchmark for rare book sales and underscored the manuscript’s rarity.
Quaritch, a noted collector of antiquarian books, added the volume to his private library. Experts confirm that only four pristine copies are currently documented, and this edition is considered the most complete.
Historical Background
Written by John Bunyan in 1678, Pilgrim’s Progress is hailed as a cornerstone of English literature and a pioneering allegorical work. Its spiritual narrative has influenced countless writers and remains a touchstone for religious studies.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that such rare literary artifacts not only preserve cultural heritage but also reshape modern investment strategies in the high‑value book market. This auction has spurred renewed interest among collectors worldwide.
“The true worth of a historic work lies beyond its monetary price—it carries cultural and scholarly significance.” – Dr. Amelia Reed, Rare Book Scholar
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Have other copies of this edition been sold at auction?
A: Yes, a few have appeared on the market over the past decades, but none matched the condition of this particular copy.
Q2: Where is Mr. Quaritch keeping the book?
A: The volume resides in his private collection, available to scholars by appointment.
