Global Bunyan and Visual Art: Angelica Duran: Bloomsbury Academic – Bloomsbury
Review by Sally Heard and Caroline Alcalay
This book examines Bunyan as a foundational English author and his legacy in terms of the artistic forms it inspired. With contributions from sixteen academics, professors and curators, it is a comprehensive scholarly exploration of Bunyan’s visual legacy, examining many different media and styles. It also considers the use of The Pilgrim’s Progress in the service of nineteenth-century British imperialism.
The text explores the earliest spread of the printed editions globally, illustrating Bunyan for children, staged performances (including settings and costumes), cover design and William Blake’s illustrations. Other focused chapters look at portraiture and stained glass, contributed by Jasmine Allen, the curator of the Ely Stained Glass Museum, digital reworkings, graphic novels and the influence of Bunyan on contemporary global art.
One chapter, looking at disability in Bunyan’s works, by Andrew McKendry, includes illustrations of some of the books in the Bunyan museum library here in Bedford, UK. The author has included the catalogue references so they can easily be located. Further local images can also be found amongst the many other illustrations in the work.
In conclusion, this is a central resource for anyone studying the links between early modern literature and contemporary art. The focus on the “vibrant afterlife” of work across diverse cultures and media is an innovative shift in Bunyan studies and the contributions demonstrate Bunyan’s “generative reach” and the continuing influence of his dreamworld on modern visual culture.
Global Bunyan and Visual Art Edited by Angelica Duran and Katherine Calloway. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, November 2025.
ISBN 9781666960792. h/b, b/w illustrations