The Pilgrim's Progress

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

Book Overview

&&LIThe Pilgrim's Progress&&L/I, by &&LBJohn Bunyan&&L/B, is part of the &&LIBarnes & Noble Classics&&L/I&&LI &&L/Iseries, which offers quality editions at affordable prices to the student and the general reader, including new scholarship, thoughtful design, and pages of carefully crafted extras. Here are some of the remarkable features of &&LIBarnes & Noble Classics&&L/I: New introductions commissioned from today's top writers and scholars Biographies of the authors Chronologies of contemporary historical, biographical, and cultural events Footnotes and endnotes Selective discussions of imitations, parodies, poems, books, plays, paintings, operas, statuary, and films inspired by the work Comments by other famous authors Study questions to challenge the reader's viewpoints and expectations Bibliographies for further reading Indices & Glossaries, when appropriate All editions are beautifully designed and are printed to superior specifications; some include illustrations of historical interest. &&LIBarnes & Noble Classics &&L/Ipulls together a constellation of influences--biographical, historical, and literary--to enrich each reader's understanding of these enduring works.&&LP style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt" &&L/P&&LP style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"Faith, Hope, Mercy, Envy, Ignorance, Guilt: These are not abstract concepts, but the names of vividly imagined, sharply drawn human characters encountered by Christian, the hero of &&LIThe Pilgrim's Progress&&L/I. In &&LBJohn Bunyan&&L/B's seventeenth-century allegory of the soul's search for salvation, each step along the way becomes a dramatic rendering of an inner state of the human psyche. As Christian journeys from "the wilderness of this world" to the glory of the Celestial City, he confronts a seemingly endless array of temptations, threats, and dangers, including the nearly irresistible allure of material splendor at Vanity Fair; the crushing psychological burden of depression and despair in the Slough of Despond; and the fear and uncertainty that eats away at faith in Doubting Castle. &&LBR&&LBRThis edition includes both the first and second parts of &&LIThe Pilgrim's Progress&&L/I, which collectively reflect the feverish intensity of Bunyan's religious beliefs. What remains significant is Bunyan's ability to transform this intensity into an allegory that speaks to people of all faiths and all eras.&&LBR&&L/P&&LP style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"&&LSTRONGDavid Hawkes&&L/B&&L/B is Associate Professor of English at Lehigh University. His books include &&LIIdols of the Marketplace&&L/I (2001) and &&LIIdeology&&L/I (second edition 2003), and he has contributed articles to &&LIThe Nation&&L/I, the &&LITimes Literary Supplement&&L/I, and the &&LIJournal of the History of Ideas&&L/I.&&L/P

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593082541
• ISBN13: 9781593082543
• Release Date: May 2005
• Publisher: Barnes & Noble Classics
• Length: 387 Pages
• Weight: 0.83 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 5.2" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Second best selling book of all time

A similitude of being saved as a Christian and the temptations distractions and battles while on the straight and narrow path. Written in the English of the time likened to the King James Bible. If you like Narnia or the Hobbit you'll love this classic.

Pretty much THE classic work on the Christian life

This is a brilliant work on the Christian life. Historically, it has been the second-best-selling book of ALL TIME, right after the Bible itself. I'd say its status is well-deserved; it is pretty much THE classic work on the Christian life. As fiction, this work is thoroughly engrossing. While many books will not "age" well, this classic is timeless. It has truly stood the test of time. It is very fun to read, and the old English is not hard to get past. This is great theology too. It belongs on the bookshelf of every Christian.

Practical heart searching Christianity.

Pilgrim's Progress has been accepted by the world as a classic piece of literature. However, just as Handel's Messiah is recognised as a magnificent work without people really appreciating the message it brings so Pilgrim's Progress can suffer from its own fame. Here we have the stories of believers moving towards heaven. They have ups and downs. They suffer pain and experience pleasure. All the time the christian reader is being led forward into experimental practical christian avenues. Despair, doubt, backsliding, the temptations of the world, helps from above and support from others on the Way all make this work so vital and relevant. Both parts, Christian's journey and Christiana's are wonderful in their own ways. For the past four years I have preferred the second part. Read it every year at least once. If you must read only one other book next to your Bible let it be this one, (Or Thomas Watson on All things for Good) but do read it all. A classic that is beyond review.