Customer Reviews

The Pilgrim's Progress (Blackstone Audio Classic Collection) (Library Edition)

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I had read Pilgrim's Progress years ago prior to getting this Kindle version. This is an EXCELLENT version because it retains the original unabridged text AND the language thus adding to the beauty and majesty of the work. Sure there are quite a few Thees and Thous but that is what partly makes the book so good. Also this version does not contain his wife's journey.

One caveat. I recommend that you read the book in its original and in the old English version. A few years ago I purchased a hardcopy that touted itself as being in modern English but that diminished the text considerably. I believe this book is of much literary value; so much so that even non-Christians can profit greatly from this book. Don't put off reading this gem because you assume that it's for Christians only. I am waiting for another Kindle version that will link the biblical references to a Bible thus making it feasible to read the verses referenced. But for the cost of this version, FREE, you cannot go wrong. An ABSOLUTE MUST read. Very highly recommended.

Has the full version of the original Pilgrim's Progress(though not the second part where his wife follows. It is well translated to present day though there are a few thee's and thou's. not bad for free...

I have made it a habit this year to get through many of the classics on audio book during my daily commute. I picked Pilgrim's Progress since it was one of the most influential English books ever published, and I wanted to see what it was all about.

The audio book was published by Blackstone Audio and the reader was Robert Whitfield. The reader did an excellent job and was very easy to listen to. He did some characterization with his voice that made it easy to know which character was speaking. I was a little worried about the older style English, but it gave me no problem. It probably helps that I am familiar with the King James Version of the Bible. Overall, listening to this book worked out very well.

This is the first book length allegory that I have been through and I thought it was an excellent way to teach. There is no doubt which principal each character is supposed to represent by their name, and their actions represented that well also. I can understand why so many families had this book in their libraries. As far as Christian doctrine goes, there are a few things that some would disagree with, but most of the principals taught are still generally accepted today. The path to God's presence is filled with opposition, but there is help available and the reward is worth it.

I highly recommend this book for anyone wanting to understand an important part of our heritage, and to see what an effective tool allegory is.

This is a REALLY good book. I am reading it for school... and for that, the middle English is ideal.

The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan

129 Pages

3 Stars

A Christian allegory for man's journey to heaven, The Pilgrim's Progress follows Christian on his journey from the City of Destruction to Mount Zion and the Celestial City. Along the way he encounters many who will mislead him or do him harm as well as many terrors, such as the Valley of the Shadow of Death. He also meets friends along the way, chief of whom are Faithful and Hopeful.

Though I do not share the religious beliefs of the author, this was an interesting tale. Much of it is filled with the dangers a good Christian can expect to encounter in his walk with God and the text is liberally sprinkled with Biblical verses, parables, and sermons. Yet, despite that it was not difficult to read from that aspect. I actually had a harder time with the old fashioned language. As this was written in 1678, it was written in the language of the time and as such to a modern reader this slows down the narrative. I think that a person who is strong in their Christian faith would have much to gain from reading this tale, and it wouldn't do anyone else much harm either as it's a useful tool in learning about Christianity in the 1700s, during which time there was a lot of upheaval in the religious ranks.

Apparently there is a second half, which gives the details of the journey of Christian's wife and children, which had stayed behind in the City of Destruction, thinking him mad. My edition only included Christian's journey. If I can get a hold of the second half of the narrative I will update my review to include that portion.

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian Classic written in the late 1600's. But it is so much more than this. This is the most brilliant piece of literature I have ever read. I actually find it hard to believe that a mere human was able to write such a piece. There is little doubt in my mind that this book was written through the guidance and inspiration of our Lord.

The subtle yet profound way J. Bunyan engraved scriptures throughout the story line was nothing short of brilliant. I read this book in 2 days, yet have been meditating on it for over a month now. This is a must read for everyone with the inkling to do so. Please read it and share with your friends and family.

My rating is in reference to this particular version of Pilgrim's Progress and not to the book itself.

I found this e-book impossible to read due to all the distracting Bible references scattered throughout the text. I would love to have access to these references, but they need to be foot-noted and not listed out, breaking up the story.

Just as I read it in school. It's wonderful, and incredibly relevant to Christians of the modern world. It has references to every vice I can think of, frankly, and I think all Christians should read it.

Product was received in a great timely manner. The packaging was received in great condition. Will definitely use Amazon.com for future book purchases

Point: The life of Christian is full of dangers and temptations, but the Prince of Pilgrims steadies the fainting heart and the Celestial City calls those almost gone.

Path: The author follows the life of Christian from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. On his journey he meets trying setbacks, tempting snares, and awful giants. The second book records the travels of his family.

Sources: Written while in prison in Bedford County Gaol, this work relies on an understanding of the human nature, allures of the world, and the Word of God.

Agreement: There is a reason why men such as Charles Spurgeon praised this work, children read it, and it continues to be published.

Disagreement: His interpretations and applications of Scripture are some times pressed.

Personal App: There is so much applicable material here. Pilgrim's time in the Doubting Castle is always a reminder of the key given.

Favorite Quote: "Some things are of that nature as to make One's fancy chuckle, while his heart doth ache."