Piligrim's Progress [Hardcover]

John Bunyan (Author)

Book Description

The adventures and perils Christian encounters on his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City are a classic tale and a vivid portrayal of Christianity. In this fully illustrated book, the story is retold especially for today's children. (20050501)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This classic and timeless story of the adventure of life is retold for younger children. The large illustrations are very colorful and modern looking. This makes for an attractive book, which can be read as a first introduction to a more elaborate version and edition, closer to the original text." (WD Christian Schools International )

"The classic story of Pilgrim's Progress is told in a fresh way as Christian faces many dangers and adventures on his journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. As Christian tries to stay on the right path he faces lions, giants, monsters, terrifying forests and people who try to steer him away. This story of a life adventure is told especially for young readers and the amazing illustrations bring Christian values to life." (Kids Bookshelf )

About the Author

Steve Smallman has been working as an artist and illustrator for many years, and has created many successful children's books as well as original visuals for children's television. He lives with his family in Lichfield in the English midlands and is especially skilful at animal illustration. He has recently completed new illustrated version of The Pilgrim's Progress, which has been published as a book and board game. Steve has also created a lovable character called Benjamin Bear, who has lots of adventures with his friends.

Tim Dowley (Ph.D. in church history, University of Manchester) has been at the forefront of writing and editing for a new generation of resources on biblical studies and church history.

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a Puritan preacher and writer born in Elstow, England. He wrote Pilgrim's Progress during his twelve-year imprisonment in Bedford jail. Upon his release, he became the pastor of a church in Bedford, England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Publications (November 25, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825472741
• ISBN-13: 978-0825472749
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #716,196 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Introduction to a Classic!, November 10, 2006

By 

Becky Hintz (Southern California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Piligrim's Progress (Hardcover)

I purchased this book for my nephews when they were 2 and 3, and my own children (2 and 3 also) loved it so much that I bought us a copy, and three more to give away!! The kids love to pore over the pictures, and though the story is written for kids probably 5 and up, my little ones will sit and listen to almost the whole thing! This is a retelling that greatly simplifies the real thing, but remains true to the main themes and tells the story well. The pictures are modern and humorous, so it's easy to relate. As a kid and even college student I was intimidated by Pilgrim's Progress, but I think that if I had been introduced to the story in a fun, non-threatening way, I would have been more motivated to plod through the original and reap the enormous benefits.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A profoundly powerful parable of the many hardships, February 3, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Piligrim's Progress (Hardcover)

Pilgrim's Progress is a picturebook retelling of John Bunyan's classic narrative, intended for younger readers yet powerful for all ages. John Bunyan was a Baptist pastor who started to write the original tale when he was jailed in Bedford, England for preaching. Since then his story has become a widely beloved, metaphorical saga of a pilgrim named Christian in search of the Celestial City. Many monsters seek to lead him astray or devour him along his quest - the wicked Judge Hate-good, the giants of Doubting Castle, the diguesed and deceptive Flatterer, and even the Athiest strives to convince him that the Celestial City does not exist. Yet Christian also makes steadfast friends, such as Faithful, who speaks out against unjust laws at the cost of his life, and Hopeful, who keeps Christian's head above the darkest waters. Colorful, slightly cartoony illustrations decorate a story that despite its elements of whimsy, is at its heart a profoundly powerful parable of the many hardships encountered on the road the faithful walk. Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Classic tale with a timeless moral, November 23, 2004

By 

Lisa M. Hendey "Mom, Blogger, Podcaster, Author" (Fresno, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Piligrim's Progress (Hardcover)

A man, burdened by the weight of the world on his shoulders, sets out on an epic journey to find salvation for himself, his wife and family. Along the way, he meets dark characters, scary situations, and a shady personality or two. Ultimately, he attains his goal and the gates of heaven swing open to welcome him.

Prolific author Tim Dowley has made the old new again with his wonderful retelling of John Bunyan's classic, The Pilgrim's Progress (Kregel, November 2004, hardcover, 80 pages). Twenty-first century kids (and their parents) will find themselves captivated by Dowley's modernized version of this seventeenth century classic. Illustrator Steve Smallman's brilliant artwork combines with Dowley's storytelling to create a fresh, vibrant effect.

While some of the prose (and wardrobe) have been updated, this version of The Pilgrim's Progress remains a wonderful way to emphasize morality and values with your children in a manner that will capture their attention and imagination.