Pilgrim's Progress: One Man's Search for Eternal Life--A Christian Allegory (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I like it, and my students like it. The notes will tell them what they need to know."--Gail McGrew Eifrig, Valparaiso University
--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Description

The Pilgrim's Progress has been printed, read, and translated more often than any book other than the Bible. People of all ages have found delight in the simple, earnest story of Christian, the Pilgrim, and his life-changing, life-affirming adventures.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Revell (February 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0800786092
• ISBN-13: 978-0800786090
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #457,494 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's not Dante's Inferno, July 21, 2001

By	Gregory N. Hullender (Bellevue, WA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Pilgrim's Progress (Oxford World's Classics) (Paperback)

In contrast to Dante, Bunyan fills his allegory with real people, not just stereotypes - or even archetypes. Though his characters have names like "Honest," "Feeble-mind," and "Ignorance," they come across as real people given a nickname. The names apply to some extent, of course, but not to the point of making caricatures out of the characters.
This volume contains parts I and II of Pilgrim's progress. The first part concerns the journey of a pilgrim named "Christian," while the second describes the journey of his wife, Christiana. Both start from the City of Destruction and both encounter many of the same obstacles - the Slough of Despond, the Vanity Fair, the Castle Doubt - before reaching the gates of the Celestial City. Other than that, their journeys are rather different, for Christian travels on his own, with a bit of help here and there, and with one or another traveling companion, but his progress is almost entirely his own. Christiana, by contrast, travels as part of an ever growing company, who support one another and who are defended by one or two powerful champions.
You never lose sight of the allegory, but this work is not a mere tract. The story itself and the characters entertain - even today.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars For All the Sojourners, January 24, 2001

By	Bethany McKinney (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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

This book is essential reading for any Christian who wants to "fight the good fight" and to finish the race well. The excellent thing about this book is that it helps to give the big picture of life and what small events that happen in life can mean in the scheme of things. The first book is about about a man named Christian (you can see that the allegory isn't too hard to understand) and the things that happen to him after he starts on the journey on the road that leads to Heaven. We see how with each step and misstep along the way Christian has the option of continuing on the road to Heaven or giving up, and that helps us readers to realize that the same thing is true in our own lives. Another thing I really like about this book is how even when Christian totally goes off the path and in the wrong direction, God extends grace to him and he is able to return once again to the road to Heaven. The second book is about Christian's wife and family, and is also worth a read. One thing to note though, unless you are extremely comfortable reading old English (which I am not), it would be a good idea to get the modern language version instead of the original; because I read the original and there were several times when I thought about how I probably would prefer a more readable, modern translation. But whichever version you choose, make sure you read this book. It will help you to thoughtfully consider the here and now and also your final destination.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the effort, July 25, 2002

By	kwill10 "kwill10" (Nashville, TN United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pilgrims Progress (Library Binding)

"The Pilgrim's Progress" is a classic Christian text written by John Bunyan. Written in an allegorical format, the two-part story focuses first on "Christian", then on his wife "Christiana" and sons. Convicted of their own sinfulness, the characters set out on the journey to salvation at the Heavenly Gate. Characters such as "Honesty", "Great-Heart", and "Faithful" aid the pilgrims on their journey, whereas they face trials from the Slough of Despond, Vanity Fair, and the Valley of the Shadow of Death.

Getting through the book takes some work, less because of the story and more because of the depth of the allegory. Also, the dialogues between characters regarding salvation and righteousness often require a careful read. However, the story is exceptionally creative and thought-provoking, and the lessons that can be gleaned from it are timeless and worth the effort that needs to be expended. I recommend reading this one at least twice.