Customer Reviews

The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

This edition suffers from two flaws. There is no table of contents, which means there is no way to easily navigate through the book. Also the included scripture references are frequently mistyped, meaning they bare no relationship to the text you are reading. It should be noted that this edition only contains part one.

This book has been around almost as long as the King James Bible but it still holds tremendous potential for helping one understand the Bible. It is a delight to read because of the clever way biblical content is woven into the story. The author was considered relatively undeducated in his day but his vocabulary and content make one marvel at what passes for education in our day. If you were brought up reading the King James Bible, you'll love this work in it's 17th century language. There were several places where I chuckled at the author's deft manner.

This book is one of the most important extra-biblical works ever published, a work of ennormous value to your walk of faith. Though written to a congregation in the 17th century, it is still pertinent to today's believers....highly recommended!!

Christian leaves behind his sinful life in search of the Celestial City, little knowing of the dangers and trials, as well as the joys, which will meet him on the way. John Bunyan reveals uncanny insight of human nature, and a keen perception of the spiritual realm, in this facinating allegory told with pathos and poignancy, as well as humor. Journey with Christian as he battles against the forces of darkness, persecuters in Vainity Fair, smooth talking compromisers, the Giant Despair and his evil wife, Diffidence, and, ultimately, as he reaches his destination in the beautiful city where sorrow is unknown.

This is a great book! Although fiction, it more or less follows the Bible... It's really interesting if you can get to a quiet place to read, and if you can read a King James Bible, this will pose no problem. Although some say this book is pretty simple, I dont think they mean the actual wording, because this book reads alot like the KJV. But it is really neat and grabs your attention. I'm glad I pruchased this book...

Scott
Kentucky

I have not been able to finish this book yet as I only have time to read it during down times (which are few), but what I have read is great. Not difficult to read at all. I find that I have a hard time putting it down. It really does cover some of the temptations and "struggles" Christian's face and how some are overcome by them. Hopefully, I will get to finish it soon.