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

by John Bunyan (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
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. Along the way, he is confronted by monsters and spiritual terrors, among them Worldly Wiseman, Giant Despair, and the demons of the Valley of the Shadow of Death. An enormously influential seventeenth-century classic, universally known for its simplicity, vigor, and beauty of language.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (February 10, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486426750
• ISBN-13: 978-0486426754
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (25 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,864 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #4 in	Books > Literature & Fiction > British > Classics > Bunyan, John
  #4 in	Books > Religion & Spirituality > Authors, A-Z > ( B ) > Bunyan, John

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

79 of 81 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 (REAL NAME)

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.

18 of 19 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 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.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic Tale of the Christian Life, March 27, 2007

By	Mariana Marin (Florida) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is often overlooked as it can be a hard read in the original language. We read this with a group of people and work and followed along with the audio. The message is profound and transcends time as it metaphorically links the struggles of all believers to the saving grace of God. GREAT BOOK TO READ with a group and then have discussion - would also be good to listen to audio of the book to get the full effect of the time it was written in and not have to worry about miss pronouncing something.