The Pilgrim's Progress (Moody Classics)

This book gives us the story of a christian walk. The ups and downs, the peaks and valleys, the joy and despairs. It is a good companion to the King James bible. I recommend many christians read this book.

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is 2nd 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!!!

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.

Interesting fictional story of so many key messages & stories from the Bible. Mostly fun (although sometimes difficult) journey in deciphering the older English language used by the author in the 17th century, as well as deciphering which messages and character names relate to which specific Bible messages. Good for the analytical, sleuth mindset! Apparently written to be re-read over & over and, therefore, to unravel more & more of the stories' meanings with age & experience...similar to it's more famous role model (the Bible)! Intended for adults due to the more complex life-lessons involved, but acceptable for younger learners. Join the main character spouses, Christian & Christiana, as they travel their separate journeys along The Way to become stronger & better followers of God & Jesus.

I have read this book many times, and each time, I marvel at the author's ability to conceptualize and crystallize the truths he's attempting to teach. If you have a religious bent, you owe it to yourself to read this. There are few books that rely on, use, and interpret the imagery of the Bible so successfully. You will find so many "hooks" in this book that tie into the Bible stories and ideas that you will find it hard to see all of them. In a way, this book is like a really good movie you can watch again and again, and each time get something new, because there are details you didn't see the time before. Bunyan was the great master of this type of literature, and you will be surprised at the way your mind "gets into this" if you read it with prior knowledge of the Bible and Christianity.

Had heard much about this book in the past and now finally read it. It was at a perfect time, after having come to the conclusion that salvation is a continual process not something received when you are born again (as I feel is made clear in the new testament). As a result I have recently read more "old stuff" (Dwight L Moody and works by other famous evangelists of times past) and come to the realisation that most of the great Christians were no fools and fell for the Once Saved Always Saved doctrine, which is spreading like wild fire today. In this book it is made clear that the way to salvation is not only a continual process but quite a dangerous and bumpy road as well, and a Christian should know this and expect it. I am sure I will read this book again studying some characters (that to me are already quite familiar!) Also; it is nice to be able to use Kindle and look words up directly, as English is not my first language and also the vocabulary used is quite old, as the book is. Recommend it!

I love this version for the simplicity and the drawings on every page. The drawings very well depict the attitude of each character and the scene. My six year old loves it, but she has nightmares so I am careful to skip some pages where the devil is depicted. I have bought 20 copies myself, and I use them in my Jail Ministry. I pass each man a copy to use and we read along, comment, Study, and look up scripture references as we go. I collect them at the end of each session. As another reviewer said it is about 4th grade reading level which is the average for inmates. It’s a great, fun, eye opening way to share Christ in an adventurous way. They can easily see how each character’s name matches his character.

What a delightful way to introduce children to Bunyan's classic! I bought this on a recommendation from a friend and my 6 year old boy and 4 year old girl LOVE IT! We have actually read it several times because the children have begged me. This version is simpler, touching on most of the scenes but only dedicating one page or so to each scene/character that Christian meets. For every page there is a black and white sketched illustration which is appealing to children. My 6 and 4 year olds have remembered and referred to the characters and lessons learned in this book time and time again, which is impressive. All that said, I read a TON to my kids; if your children aren't used to reading much then I would hold off until they have a better attention span and vocabulary. But if your kids LOVE reading and learning, this book is one of the best you can get your children, ESPECIALLY if you're a fan of the full Pilgrim's Progress.

Good book worth to read

still relevant insights for today. Pilgrims on the narrow road still face the same foes, obstacles, temptations, and yet are buoyed, sheltered and carried onward by the same power, love and grace as in the time of Brother Bunyan. Who knows but that there will soon be many more Christians writing from within prison gates in our Western societies.

a timely classic on Cristian books would recommend everyone read this

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.

Might be a bit complicated if (like me) english is not your first language but it's understandable. I had a great time reading it.