The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English ( A Pure Gold Classic) (Pure Gold Classics) [Paperback]

John Bunyan (Author), L. Edward Hazelbaker (Contributor)

Book Description

Series: Pure Gold Classics | Publication Date: July 1, 1998

Carefully revised in modern English, this modern classic includes Bunyan's original Scripture references plus hundreds of additional references, chapter end-notes to help clarify scriptural and historical references, and an index of words, meanings, titles, characters, and places. 50+ illustrations.

Website address and instructions for free audio excerpts download are located on page IV.

Product Details

• Paperback: 474 pages
• Publisher: Bridge-Logos Publishers; Revised and Udated edition (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0882707574
• ISBN-13: 978-0882707570
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #60,654 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

179 of 182 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pilgrim's Progress in a Reader-Friendly Format, December 30, 2000

By 

Paula Hansen (Brenham, TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English ( A Pure Gold Classic) (Pure Gold Classics) (Paperback)

I have not only recently read, but also studied, Part I of L. Edward Hazelbaker's unabridged revision of John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress. Last summer I taught Pilgrim's Progress in my elementary Sunday School class and I wish I would have known of this book then. I have also done a college level research paper on Pilgrim's Progress. Not only does Hazelbaker make Pilgrim's Progress reader-friendly, he includes Bunyan's annotations in the text, as well as many annotations of his own. The annotations help the reader to experience more than a pilgrimage with Christian to Celestial City, but an in-depth Bible study as well. Other features the book includes are a brief description of Bunyan's life, a comparison outline of events in Parts I and II, and an index.

Access to Bunyan's scripture references gives the serious reader the opportunity to better his or her understanding of Bunyan's work while Hazelbaker's references and annotations also compliment the text. Hazelbaker, for example, elaborates on the importance of the seal that a Shining One (an angel) places upon Christian's forehead and on the Document given to him. Hazelbaker also offers his audience a clear and detailed understanding of the "Family" that resides in the palace called Beautiful. The reader will appreciate Hazelbaker's explanation of Bunyan's reference to "the goods of Rome" at Vanity Fair and why it would have been significant to the first readers of The Pilgrim's Progress. Hazelbaker also takes the time to explain to the reader why he uses the word "coat" for "bosom." These are only a few of the many helpful annotations Hazelbaker includes in his work.

In studying Hazelbaker's translation I referred to an early edition of Bunyan's several times. Each time I found Hazelbaker's translation true to Bunyan. Hazelbaker has made special effort to maintain the characteristic qualities and message of Bunyan's original work. In the translation process, he manages to preserve Bunyan's work by keeping himself removed from the text. This is his duty and obligation as a translator. His translation is, in all honesty, unabridged and non-paraphrased.

Of the 215 pages I have studied to date, I have found only one minor word choice in Hazelbaker's translation that I wish he would not have made. He translates Bunyan's "cartloads" with "truckloads" in the Swamp of Despondence episode. Although, by definition, "truckloads" is acceptable, it too easily causes confusion for the modern reader who thinks of pickups and tractor-trailers when he reads "truckloads." This is certainly a minor concern, but I mention it in an effort to objective.

Hazelbaker has done an exceptional job of making Bunyan's beautiful classic more appealing to the modern audience. This unabridged version is suitable for readers from middle and upper elementary ages to adults. I am glad to see that Hazelbaker has taken the time and made the effort to offer his audience a version of Pilgrim's Progress that is not watered-down and compromised. It definitely deserves a place in any library.

56 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Inspring Way to learn the Truth., May 9, 2001

By 

Michael Desario "MD" (Stow, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English ( A Pure Gold Classic) (Pure Gold Classics) (Paperback)

I first read this book back in the seventies. Since I have also used as a Bible study tool and great source of allegorical illustration of the Christina life. It is a wonderful story for Christians of all ages to study and enjoy. Surly God blessed John Bunyan with a special insight into Discipleship. I recommend strongly sticking with the Modern English version of the book because of the vast differences in past speech patterns. The book is well worth your time and effort. Any serious student of Scripture will certainly find it's contents valuable and very insightful.

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Life change in Perspective...., November 5, 2000

By 

Sonserae D. Leese-calver "Sonserae" (Pasadena, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress in Modern English ( A Pure Gold Classic) (Pure Gold Classics) (Paperback)

I'm in the middle of reading this wonderful classic and am so excited about it that I am going to host a weekly Bible Study and use the book as a powerful study tool. The revised version edited by L. Edward Hazelbaker makes the translation as simple as reading a children's novel. At the end of each chapter there is a list of specific scriptures and notes for Biblical reference throughout the entire book which I found extremely helpful.

John Bunyon's insight on going through troubles and trials is inspiring. He points out that although we may think we are taking the "easy road" off the "Path of the Way" which is uphill, it ends up taking us to a dark, dreary, dangerous place instead. If we persevere with "Faith" and "Hopeful" up the hill, we will eventually reach the top of the mountain in our Christian Journey with God by our side. I highly recommend this book to EVERYONE not just people who call themselves Christians...For it is a book filled with powerful lessons all can learn from.