The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions) [Paperback]

John Bunyan (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up | Series: Dover Thrift Editions

One of the most powerful dramas of Christian faith ever written, this captivating allegory of man's religious journey in search of salvation follows the pilgrim as he travels an obstacle-filled road to the Celestial City. An enormously influential 17th-century classic, universally known for its simplicity, vigor, and beauty of language.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

C.J. Lovik graduated from Westmont College with a degree in education and communication and taught elementary school in Southern California. When he was 9, Lovik read John Bunyan’s timeless classic The Pilgrim’s Progress for the first time, and it became his favorite book next to the Bible. During the past twenty years Lovik noticed that fewer and fewer young Christians had been exposed to The Pilgrim’s Progress. Thus he decided to revise and edit the original version so that it would be easier to read and understand for readers today, while remaining faithful to Bunyan’s narrative and preserving the beauty and tone of Bunyan’s original work. It is hoped that the final result will reintroduce the English-speaking world to this timeless classic.

--This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (February 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486426750
• ISBN-13: 978-0486426754
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (36 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #221,774 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #98 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Literature & Fiction > World Literature > British > General

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

104 of 107 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true classic, November 20, 2004

By 

Christian Buckley (Washington State, United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

I came across this book years ago when I was accepted to University. The book was on the preferred reading list for new students, and so I picked up a copy without knowing anything about it. For those who may have read a "modern English" version of this classic, I'd say go back and read it again in its original form. I've read both, and I prefer the book the way it was written and published in 1678. It reads somewhat like a script, with sections beginning with the name of the person talking, and a constant barrage of characters coming and going.

The book begins with an apology from the author in the form of prose - John Bunyan was a very humble man who spent years in prison for his religious beliefs. My copy also includes a fascimile of the orginal title page from the first edition. The story follows the life of a man named Christian and his travels through the world, trying to find the Celestial city and have the burden on his back removed. As with everything in this story, there is no hiding the truth about who the characters are and what they want with the protagonist - all of the names are quite literal in their descriptions of the characters. For example, he encounters people named Piety, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption. And throughout the story, his burden is literally a heavy weight on his back.

The book has two section, both written in the similitude of a dream. The language is rich and beautiful (which is why I recommend the un-modified version), and sends a message of faith and optimism. I highly recommend it.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good book - but difficult language, May 3, 2009

By 

M. Mighty - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

I read this book many years ago and what had struck me about it was how easy it was to follow and understand. I decided to get another copy since the one I read before had disintegrated.

This is indeed the true script of the Pigrim's Progress with it's unabridged length and archaic language. It's fine to read if you have read other versions that are easier to understand but if this is your first time reading the Pilgrim's Progress, you will be spending half your time deciphering what you just read.

Overall, still a good book but beware the prose of the book.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pretty much THE classic work on the Christian life, January 16, 2006

By 

The Actor (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions) (Paperback)

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.