The Pilgrim’s Progress · Chapter
Works from Which Notes to This Edition Have Been Selected explained
This chapter lists the principal works from which the notes for this edition of The Pilgrim's Progress have been selected, including early annotated editions by J.
What happens
This chapter lists the principal works from which the notes for this edition of The Pilgrim's Progress have been selected, including early annotated editions by J. Newton, W. Mason, and others, as well as versifications, keys to the allegory, and lectures by various authors from 1776 to 1846.
Key passages
“The preface states, that 'an edition, containing some brief notes to illustrate the more difficult passages, has been long desired. An attempt of this kind is now submitted to the public.'”
The preface explains that readers had long wanted an edition with short notes explaining difficult parts, and this is the first such attempt.
Describes the motivation behind the first annotated edition.
“Having been solicited to undertake this, at a time when no one had attempted it, I have endeavoured, according to the ability which God has given me, to execute it.”
Asked to write notes when no one else had done so, I have tried to do it with the ability God gave me.
W. Mason's humble acknowledgment of his role as the first annotator.