The Doctrine of the Law and Grace Unfolded.

Bunyan, J[ohn].

The Doctrine of the Law and Grace Unfolded.

London:

Printed for W. Johnston,

1760.

Gift of David Richardson.

This 1760 copy John Bunyan’s work is a scarce, early example of an English publisher’s use of a plain textile as a covering material for a cheap bookbinding. It is considered by some on RBS’s faculty to be the earliest known example of its kind. A form of a trade bookbinding, publishers’ bindings were made in advance of retail sale. Canvas bindings were introduced possibly owing to a shortage of leather. Canvas was certainly less costly than leather while still being able to withstand heavy use.

From the collection of Rare Book School