The Pilgrim's Progress

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is2nd most published book in the history of printing (the Bible is, by far, the most published book in history). It was required reading in almost all American schools for centuries. If a book is continually in print and continually popular for almost 350 years, it probably deals with universal themes and serious issues to which everyone can relate, in ways that are both entertaining and profound. Such is the extended allegory Pilgrim's Progress.Per Wikipedia: "It has been translated into more than 200 languages and never been out of print...The first North American edition was issued in 1681. It has also been cited as the first novel written in English. According to literary editor Robert McCrum, "there's no book in English, apart from the Bible, to equal Bunyan's masterpiece for the range of its readership, or its influence on writers as diverse as C. S. Lewis, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Charles Dickens, Louisa May Alcott, George Bernard Shaw, William Thackeray, Charlotte Bronte, Mark Twain, John Steinbeck and Enid Blyton."If you haven't already, you really should read this book (preferably in the Banner of Truth edition). If you've already read it, perhaps you should read it again?My copy shipped incredibly quickly, but it wasn't in "Very Good" condition (as it was described by the seller) when I received it. It was between "Like New" and "New" condition! Spot on. It's fabulous! And, Oh man, woman, and child, WHAT A GREAT BOOK!!!

James Wharey offered the world a text critical authoritative edition of John Bunyan's great classic, The Pilgrim's Progress in 1928. This provided a reference work that compared the 11 editions of the first part and 2 editions of the second part that appeared between 1677 and 1686 before Bunyan's death in 1688. Roger Sharrock, another Bunyan scholar, published a second edition of this work in 1960. This second edition was reprinted with corrections in 1967. The last imprint of this revised edition was in 1975. Then for 37 years this book was out of print. In 2012 Oxford University Press graciously again reprinted this edition: "digitally and produced in a standard specification in order to ensure its CONTINUING AVAILABILITY. For experts in English literature and for John Bunyan fans this book is an enduring treasure.

Pilgrims Progress is a great book that lays out the Christian walk-in an easy-to-understand story. John Bunyan does a great job of breaking down the Bible into its essential messages and building a story around it. The story is fascinating and caused me to think about the Biblical text behind that part of the story.

Be prepared to transfer the CDs to a better case. The packaging is cheap and most of the sleeves in the case were torn.

The book is used, but in very good to excellent shape. It is a hardbound edition with a leather appearing cover (I haven't tested it). The book seems to be intact and not torn or disfigured.The text appears to be the original text in late 17th Century English. Some of the words and phrases are 'curious' compared to current English, but largely is not impossible or deceptive to read. (The same difficulty applies to the King James version of the Bible and the works of Shakespeare; probably other works as well.)The story is an allegory of a Christian's life, encountering the distractions and perils of life in a hostile, or at least non-sympathetic world. All in all a solid work.John Bunyan wrote this book while in prison for the crime of 'preaching without a license'. In England at the time, a 'preaching license' was issued by the Church of England - under authority of the Monarch of England. Issuance was predicated on agreement with and adherence to the then current teaching and doctrine of the Church of England. John Bunyan didn't agree or adhere. Instead, Bunyan was part of the Reformation movement, leading to what is now known as the 'evangelistic' theory of Christianity; and incidentally to the concept of religious freedom in the sense no one (quasi-political) group could control religious expression in a nation.One notes the text and story line is fairly obvious. John Bunyan was not given to subtlety in either.Recommended to all Christian believers, but probably not those who might consider Christianity as a way of life. It can be a bit daunting.

Such a beautiful, well made book!! Excited to read it with my children!

You need to stay focused when reading. Taking time to review some of the Bible verses cited helps add clarity. So much under lying analogy lessons delivered that it is, at times, difficult to understand the message. I enjoyed reading and absorbed a lot. However, I will read it again and further expand my understanding.

Written by English dissenter John Bunyan in the 17th century it would be deemed an important work in religious literature because of it's simplicity. The common people might not be able to understand the scriptures from the Bible or Book of Common Prayer but this story is easily understood even by children. My version includes a preface which tells a brief history of the author and it is most valuable and of interest. Bunyan writes as a narrator of a dream, a man called Christian (aptly named) leaves his home in the city of Destruction, where sin runs rampant and is about to be destroyed and sets out on a Pilgrimage to save his soul. Along his path he meets various people who all have meaningful names and they will either help or try to hinder him. Just as in life it's all about choices, Christian has to decide who to trust and who not to trust. The author also has many songs, poems and quotes within the story. The fact that Bunyan wrote this work rather than just bide his time in prison shows remarkable character and spirituality in the man, just reading this you can feel he is very passionate in his beliefs.

I almost bought another audiobook version of this book, but thankfully a customer review alerted me to the fact that it was very Americanised - a syrupy-sentimental reading with billowing and intrusive background music.Lucky escape, that!So I thought I'd write this review to say that if you're looking for a more 'normal' reading, this is the one to buy. And in fact, it is SUPERBLY well read. David Shaw-Parker doesn't so much read as ACT the book, bringing every scene vividly to life, using a range of voices, tones and accents that mean you're never in the slightest doubt about which of the book's characters is actually speaking at the time.I can't imagine that you'll find a better audio version of this book anywhere. VERY highly recommended.

Exquisitely crafted allegory of life, beautifully written, a truly inspirational and instructive book. An epic journey of the mind through the land of free will. If ever you have asked yourself the question "What the hell am I doing here and why?" John Bunyan shows you how to answer your own question. What is so unique about this piece of writing is that you know the characters, and all the locations, intimately, before you start to read it. We all do. I cannot think of another book that achieves this and makes such good use of it. Twelve and a half years of his life in gaol for preaching without a licence. Read his story and find out why the powers were so terrified of him. I promise you, you will never feel alone again.

Sadly many think of this as a children's book. It is far from that because it envelopes all walks of life and all characters. The simple Gospel message pervades each sentence and builds and guides as the reader progresses through the book. I do a lot of reading built this is the only book that I continually return to.

I love this audio book, it is read to you so clearly and as you get into it the characters come to life weather in humour or the seriousness of danger Christian the main character finds himself in. It is read to you in old English but cleverly done so that you understand and take in the story It is read by David Shaw-Parker and he reads so clear and in character. Wonderful audio book highly recommend

This simple narrative is a moving story of a journey from darkness and struggle into the light. Told in two parts, this book has relevance to anyone who enjoys the idea of triumph over adversity as Christian and then Christiana find their way through temptation, apathy and despair to Paradise.