The Pilgrim's Progress

By John Bunyan, John Wesley, Juan Bunyan, et al.

Book Overview

The Pilgrim's Progress is widely considered the best novel ever written in the English language, and since its publication in 1678 has found a home on the bookshelves and bedside tables of Christians for centuries. Second only to the bible itself in popularity at one point in time, this timeless piece of literature has been a favorite among renowned authors such as C.S Lewis, Charles Spurgeon, George Whitfield, and many others.

Presented in a dream sequence, The Pilgrim's Progress chronicles the story of a man named Christian who sets out on a life-long quest to find the Celestial City. His journey to faith begins from the City of Destruction, through Slough of Despond, the Hill of Difficulty, the Valley of the Shadow of Death and Vanity Fair and over the River of the Water of Life before reaching his final destination. As you walk with Christian along his often hazardous pilgrimage you will meet fascinating characters, some of whom help him, whilst others hinder his journey along the narrow way.

Written as a powerful allegory of the Christian life, you will likely see yourself and your own life's journey mirrored within the story and its hero whilst being inspired and provoked to persevere in your walk of faith.

This edition features the original text written by John Bunyan, with parts 1 and 2 included, which chronicle Christian's journey and then his wife Christina's and his children's journey in part 2. It also includes a number of the original illustrations by Frederick Barnard and the original scriptural references.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 176441019X
• ISBN13: 9781764410199
• Release Date: June 2025
• Publisher: Olivet Classics
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 0.91 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

A 1678 Christian allegory written by a violator of the Conventicle Act of 1664.

Part I vs. Part II — Some editions include both; others print only Part I. Original 17th‑century text vs. modernized spelling — Language may be fully original, lightly updated, or fully modernized depending on the publisher. Illustrations can distract — Some artwork enhances the allegory; some competes with it. Reader preference matters. Know your annotator — Notes can clarify, interpret, or editorialize; different editors take very different approaches. Abridged vs. full text — Children’s editions and devotional condensations exist alongside complete unabridged versions. Facsimile vs. retype set — Certain printings reproduce the original page layout; others use modern typesetting for readability. This work has never gone out of print. I decided to read “The Pilgrim's Progress” as it has a reputation as a classic and has been forced down the throats of many a student. There have been some attempts to update this work; however, that is like candy coating a bad taste. How do we know that the update did not transliterate the original from Old English? There have been attempts to add pictures for people having problems concentrating. “And what is the use of a book," thought Alice, "without pictures or conversation?” ― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Annotations can be helpful; of course, you need to know the annotator and see others. Annotations can also be distractions. I can see why it is forced. Aside from being a tad dated in writing style and a tad verbose, it can get on your nerves, as most of it is just a bunch of Bible quotes that served the purpose of the writer, John Bunyan. I have to confess that I only made it through the first part of the book before I realized that the rest was going to be the same. Now, other than having a reputation for being the first English-written novel, I can see no value in spending time reading it. Possibly I need a course on why I should want to read this book. But if you just take it off the shelf, you will just put it back.

Amazing book!

Amazing, must read book. This is the best presentation of this book that I have found. Makes reading a difficult to read book so enjoyable.