The Pilgrim's Progress

By John Bunyan

The Pilgrim’s Progress was written by John Bunyan in 1678 and is an allegory on the Christian life. It is regarded by many as one of the most significant religious works ever written. This publication gives an added layer by providing thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter, to encourage the reader to dig deeper into the biblical truths present in this classic piece of literature.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BH Publishing Group
• Release date: Mar 1, 2017
• ISBN: 9781433649943

John Bunyan

John Bunyan was an English Christian writer and preacher who is best known for his allegorical novel The Pilgrim’s Progress, published in 1678. Bunyan’s faith was profoundly influenced by two books owned by his wife: Arthur Dent's Plain Man's Pathway to Heaven and Lewis Bayly's Practice of Piety, and he turned to preaching following the death of his guide and mentor, John Gifford. The restoration of the monarchy of Charles II of England marked England’s return to Anglicanism, and Bunyan’s freedom to preach was curtailed. He was arrested numerous times for preaching without a licence, and was finally imprisoned for the offence in November 1660. Bunyan was released from prison in January 1672 and resumed preaching (as permitted under the Declaration of Religious Indulgence) until his death in 1688.

Book preview

Copyright © 2017 by B&H Publishing Group

All rights reserved.

Printed in the United States of America

978-1-4336-4993-6

Published by B&H Publishing Group

Nashville, Tennessee

Dewey Decimal Classification: 248.84

Subject Heading: CHRISTIAN LIFE / DISCIPLESHIP \ FAITH

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture quotations are taken from the King James Version. Public domain.

Also used: English Standard Version, ESV® Permanent Text Edition® (2016). Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 • 21 20 19 18 17


Letter to the Reader

While in college, I took a class on Milton with a popular professor. We were eager sophomores, reading literature that was probably beyond what any of us could comprehend, but eager nonetheless. On the first day of class, our professor handed us a quiz of biblical nature, not related to Milton at all. There were questions about Adam and Eve, heaven and hell, the fall, the enemy, angels, and such. We were in a private university, good Christian kids and English majors, so this quiz should have been easy. It would not be part of our final grade, he said, but just to give him a good idea of what he was working with in this class. The joke was on us, though, when during the next class period he handed the quizzes back and we almost universally failed.

It turned out most of our perceptions about most of the above had come from literature by writers like Dante, Milton, and the beloved John Bunyan and his work on Pilgrim’s Progress. This literature had become such a part of the church through history, it had crept even into our theology.

As I worked on Pilgrim’s Progress, I realized afresh how this work had informed my Christian beliefs. They had put flesh on theology in many ways. The familiar and nebulous struggle with doubt had a name now, and a place, a dark dungeon owned by a Giant Despair. The times of discouragement and failure had the name of Slough of Despond. The moments of sin’s indulgence a place, Vanity’s Fair. And so on. Bunyan’s masterful use of the allegorical is a gift to Christians everywhere through history. 

Pilgrim’s Progress was written during John Bunyan’s twelve-year imprisonment for, ostensibly, not attending the Church of England but holding small house meetings instead. Much more has been written on his life and I encourage the reader to learn more; however, the knowledge of his imprisonment and the work he produced therein is a testimony of God’s work in his life. As I worked on this volume, I thought often of the apostle Paul’s many imprisonments and the letters he wrote while there, particularly the letter to the Philippians. He wrote, It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God (Phil. 1:9–11 esv). This passage came to mind often as I imagined John Bunyan must have felt the very same encouragement from Paul centuries later, and so put his pen to paper, helping people understand more clearly what is excellent about our lives hidden in Christ.

I pray the questions I have added at the end of each chapter for study and personal reflection will only enhance the work and not distract from it. The work of Bunyan is the masterpiece here, and I have been blessed to work on it.

Chapter One

The Beginning of Christian’s Journey and the Burden He Carried

As I walked through the wilderness of this world, I came to a certain place where there was a den, and I laid down to sleep there. And as I slept, I dreamed a dream. I dreamed, and saw a Man clothed with rags, standing there, faced away from his own house, a Book in his hand, and a great burden upon his back. I looked, and saw him open the book, and read. And as he read, he wept and trembled. Not being able longer to contain, he broke out with a lamentable cry, saying, What shall I do?

In this way he went home, and restrained himself as long as he could, so his wife and children should not know his distress, but he could not be silent long, because his trouble increased. Soon he spoke his mind to his wife and children. He began to say to them: O my dear wife, and you my children, I, your dear friend, am undone by reason of a burden that lies hard upon me; moreover, I am informed for certain that our City will be burned with fire from Heaven; in which fearful overthrow, both myself, with you, my wife, and you, my sweet Babes, shall miserably come to ruin, except (which I cannot see yet) some way of escape can be found, where we may be delivered. At this his Relations were amazed; not that they believed what he had said to them was true, but because they thought some frenzy temper had got into his head. Since it was drawing towards night, and they were hoping sleep might settle his brain, they hastily got him to bed: But the night was as troublesome to him as the day, and instead of sleeping, he spent it in sighs and tears. So when the morning had come they asked how he was and he told them worse and worse. He also began talking to them again, but they began to be hardened. They also thought to drive away his temper by harsh and surly words to him. Sometimes they would deride, sometimes they would chide, and sometimes they would just neglect him. And so he began to retire himself to his chamber, to pray for and pity them, and also to condole his own misery. He would also walk alone in the fields, sometimes reading, and sometimes praying. He spent his days like this for a long time.

I saw a time when he was walking in the fields, that he was, as he was accustomed to, reading in his Book, and greatly distressed in his mind. As he read, he burst out, as he had done before, crying, What shall I do to be saved?

I saw also that he looked this way and that way, as if he would run, but he stood still, because, as I saw, he could not tell which way to go. I looked then, and saw a man named Evangelist coming to him, asking, Why do you cry?

He answered, Sir, I see by the Book in my hand, that I am condemned to die, and after that to come to Judgment, and I find that I am not willing to do the first, nor able to do the second.

Christian no sooner leaves the World but meets

Evangelist, who lovingly him greets

With tidings of another: and doth shew

Him how to mount to that from this below.

Then Evangelist said, Why are you unwilling to die, since this life is attended with so many evils?

The Man answered, Because I fear this burden upon my back will sink me lower than the grave, and I shall fall into Tophet. And, sir, if I am not fit to go to prison, I am not fit to go to judgment, and from there to execution. The thoughts of these things make me cry.

Then Evangelist said, If this is your condition, why are you standing still?

He answered, Because I do not know where to go. Then Evangelist gave him a Parchment-roll, and there was written within, Fly from the wrath to come.

The Man read it, and looking upon Evangelist very carefully said, Where must I fly? Evangelist said, pointing with his finger over a very wide field, Do you see yonder Wicket gate?

The Man said, No.

The other asked, Do you see yonder shining Light?

He said, I think I do.

Then Evangelist said, Keep that Light in your eye, and go up directly there: so shall you see the Gate; at which, when you knock, it shall be told you what you shall do.

So I saw in my Dream that the Man began to run.

Now he had not run far from his own door, but his wife and children, seeing it, began to cry after him to return. But the Man put his fingers in his ears, and ran on, crying, Life! Life! Eternal Life! He did not look behind him, but fled towards the middle of the Plain.

The Neighbors also came out to see him run, and as he ran, some mocked, others threatened, and some cried after him to return. And among those that did so, there were two that resolved to fetch him back by force. One was named Obstinate and the name of the other was Pliable. Now by this time the Man had gone a good distance from them, but they were resolved to pursue him, which they did, and in a little time they overtook him. Then the Man said, Neighbors, why have you come for me?

They replied, To persuade you to go back with us.

But he said, That can by no means be, for you live, said he, in the City of Destruction, the place also where I was born, I see it to be so. Dying there, sooner or later, you will sink lower than the Grave, into a place that burns with Fire and Brimstone. No, be content, good Neighbors, and go along with me.

What, said Obstinate, and leave our friends and our comforts behind us!

Yes, said Christian, for that was his name. Because all which you shall forsake is not worthy to be compared with a little of that that I am seeking to enjoy. If you will go along with me and hold it, you shall fare as I myself, for where I go, there is enough and more to spare. Come away, and prove my words.

What are the things you seek, since you leave all the world to find them? asked Obstinate

Christian replied, I seek an incorruptible Inheritance, undefiled, and one that fades not away, and it is laid up in Heaven, and safe there, to be given at the time appointed, on those who diligently seek it. Read it so, if you will, in my Book.

Tush, said Obstinate, away with your Book. Will you go back with us or not?

No, not I, said the other, because I have laid my hand to the Plow.

Come then, Neighbor Pliable, Obstinate said. Let us turn again, and go home without him. There is a company of these crazed-headed coxcombs, who, when they have a fancy, are wiser in their own eyes than seven men who can render a reason.

Then Pliable said, Don’t revile! If what the good Christian says is true, the things he looks after are better than ours. My heart is inclined to go with my Neighbor.

What! There are more of you who are fools? said Obstinate. Listen to me, and go back. Who knows where such a brain-sick fellow will lead you? Go back, go back, and be wise.

Come with me, Neighbor Pliable, said Christian. For there are such things I spoke of and more Glories besides. If you do not believe me, read here in this Book. And for the truth of what is expressed in it, look, all is confirmed by the blood of Him who made it.

Well, Neighbor Obstinate, said Pliable, I have made my decision. I intend to go along with this good man and to cast in my lot with him, but, my good companion, do you know the way to this desired place?

A man whose name is Evangelist is directing me, said Christian, to get me to a little Gate that is before us, where we shall receive instructions about the way.

Come then, good Neighbor, said Pliable. Let us be going. Then they went both together.

And I will go back to my place, said Obstinate. I will not be a companion of such misled, fantastical fellows.

Now I saw in my Dream that when Obstinate had gone back, Christian and Pliable went walking over the Plain and there they began their conversation.

Come, Neighbor Pliable, said Christian. How do you do? I am glad you were persuaded to go along with me. If Obstinate had felt what I have felt of the powers and terrors of what is yet unseen, he would not have lightly gone back.

Pliable replied, Come, Neighbor Christian, since it is only us two here, tell me now further what the things are, and how to be enjoyed, where we are going.

I can better conceive of them with my mind than speak of them with my tongue. But since you are desirous to know, I will read of them in my Book, Christian said.

And do you think that the words of your Book are certainly true?

Yes, truly. For it was made by him who cannot lie.

Well said, Pliable replied. But what things are they?

There is an endless Kingdom to be inhabited, and everlasting Life to be given us who will inhabit the Kingdom for ever.

What else? Pliable asked.

Christian replied, There are Crowns of glory to be given us, and Garments that will make us shine like the Sun in the firmament of Heaven.

This is excellent! And what else?

There shall be no more crying, nor sorrow, Christian said happily. The owner of the place will wipe all tears from our eyes.

And what company shall we have there?

There we shall be with Seraphims and Cherubims, creatures that will dazzle your eyes to look on them. Also we shall meet with thousands and ten thousands that have gone before us to that place. None of them are hurtful, but loving and holy. Everyone will be walking in the sight of God and standing in his presence with acceptance forever. In a word, there we shall see the Elders with their golden Crowns, there we shall see the Holy Virgins with their golden Harps, and there we shall see men that by the World were cut in pieces, burnt in flames, eaten of beasts, drowned in the seas, for the love that they had for the Lord of the place, all well, and clothed with Immortality as with a garment.

The hearing of this is enough to ravish one’s heart, said Pliable. But are these things to be enjoyed? How shall we get to partake in them too?

Christian replied, Oh! The Lord, the Governor of the country, has recorded that in this Book. Basically, if we are truly willing to have it, he will bestow it upon us freely.

Well, my good companion, I am glad to hear of these things. Come on, let walk faster!

Christian responded, Well, I cannot go as fast as I would, because of this Burden upon my back.

Now I saw in my Dream that just as they had ended this talk, they drew near to a very miry Slough, that was in the midst of the plain. The travelers, not paying attention, both fell suddenly into the bog. The name of the slough was Dispond. Here therefore they wallowed for a time, being grievously bedaubed with the dirt. And Christian, because of the Burden that was on his back, began to sink in the mire.

Then Pliable said, Ah, Neighbor Christian, where are you now?

Truly, said Christian, I do not know.

At that Pliable began to be offended and angrily said to his fellow, Is this the happiness you have told me of all this while? If we have such ill speed at our first setting out, what may we expect between this and our Journey’s end? If I survive this, you shall possess the brave Country alone without me. And with that he gave a desperate struggle or two, and got out of the mire on that side of the Slough which was next to his own house. Away he went and Christian saw him no more.

Christian was left to tumble in the Slough of Dispond alone, but still he endeavoured to struggle to the side of the Slough that was further from his own house, and next to the Wicket gate. He finally did, but could not get out, because of the Burden upon his back. But I saw in my Dream that a man came to him, whose name was Help, and asked him what he did there.

Sir, said Christian, "I was told to go this way by a man called Evangelist, who directed me also to yonder

Reviews for The Pilgrim's Progress

[danielstj · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

A lucid story that weaves and flows its way through inception to conclusion.Recommended for everyone

[wynnemrabbits · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A Must Read...sure to entertain and enlighten, read slowly, savor every word. A true life study guide...the perfect heirloom gift for parents to give to their children...as they graduate in life. *Plus in the back there is included, a fold out Color Historical Time-line and a chapter on The Life of John Bunyan...what an insightful. timeless dream!I want this book with me everywhere and always...wish it was hardcover. ... thank you so much Mr Hazelbaker!

[nathan7c7moore · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Read the children's version half a dozen times as a child. I believe this is the first time I have read the original... I'm sure it isn't the last.

[randystafford · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The main reason to read this book is just because it was so phenomenally popular in England and America and not for a particularly novel theology.It’s short and surprisingly entertaining, especially for some of the allegorical names. The book definitely does not contain a modern, feel-good Christianity. At one time, when protagonist Christian and fellow pilgrim Hopeful are talking to Ignorance about whether his thoughts are godly, Ignorance insists they are. His heart is good because his thoughts are good. Christian lays into him and tells him that his thoughts are only godly if they match God’s thoughts and God thinks all of man’s ways are sinful. Bunyan bolsters his points with italicized quotes from the scriptures. There is a nice section where Christian outlays the psychology of the backslider. At many points, Bunyan the preacher makes his observations and arguments in a point by point format.I find the narrative structure interesting. Unlike William Langland’s Piers Plowman, this is not a single dream vision but pieced together from several sequential dreams of the narrator. I believe some have made the argument that this book served as a template for later quest fantasy narratives or fictional spiritual journeys. Certainly, its plot is sometimes surprising. Ignorance is whisked away to the City of Destruction in the novel’s last paragraph. The conversion of Hopeful, why he left Vanity Fair and his spiritual journey on the way to meeting fellow pilgrim Christian, is related towards the end of the novel rather than the expected beginning. The story starts off with Christian, fearing the imminent destruction of the world and his damnation, setting off for the City of God with a burden on his back. Bunyan starts and ends his book with a verse apology and song snatches at the end of sections summarize the moral or wisdom we are to take away.As I said, this story’s main value is getting a sense of one strain of popular Protestantism (not politically popular – Bunyan spent years in jail for preaching after Charles II took power). William Blake’s illustrations didn’t add much value for me. Unless you are a huge fan of his work, you’ll find his rather androgynous looking Christian, oddly muscled and always in blandly colored engravings, to not be terribly pretty or interesting.

[estellen_4 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I'll be brutally honest. I didn't understand this book at all. It seems to be the symbolic journey of a Christian, who meets various challenges and emotions in human form. A lot of people loved it, I didn't get it. The language put me off - it's written in a sort of King James English, which I didn't have the energy to follow.

[mommywithlittles · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Hard to actually read but the audio dramatizations are WONDERFUL! We tried it as a "read aloud" with one person reading but always had to say who is speaking. Maybe good for a family to read like a play (have multiple copies) and discuss as you go along. Wonderful alleghory! For younger readers, there are children's versions available to help with understanding.

[endersreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I know exactly how Christian feels. His non-conformity has estranged him not only from the world, but from his wife and children, who laugh at him and his philosophy with the others. Why would Christian choose this lonely path? It is because he has had revelation of the future, which brings realization of the present and past. He simply does not find his lifestyle appealing anymore. It was not a fondness of isolation that brought Christian to his pilgrimage, it was Divine Providence--the Revealer. He did not ignore it and go back to his life of illusion. He asked "What shall I do?", and he was given answer. As we come to learn, setting forth on the pilgrimage is only a first step. Bunyan was not only allegory, Bunyan was life, truth, experience. Spending much of his time in prison, Bunyan related to us why his choices were right. He brought to Christianity something no one had. He brought simple truth, logical reasoning, a map to a map. As our protangonist, Christian, comes to his last step, the world and his family take note of his accomplishments. They become open to the Holy Spirit's whispers. They follow, as Christian showed them how, as Christian learned from Christ. They go from this world, to that which is to come. All Faiths will enjoy this read, as all Faiths have. The book's age is a testament to the wisdoms within. You will recognize all of the characters here--their names reveal them.

[aethercowboy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Pilgrim's Progress is one of the most influential Christian allegories. Long before Narnia, Bunyan put pen to parchment to record his dream while being held in prison. The end result was Pilgrim's Progress.PP takes us on a journey through the life of a Christian, that is, the allegorical life of a Christian. The trials faced by a Christian are all anthropomorphisms here. The main character must navigate away from the City of Destruction, and eventually arrive at his final destination, The Celestial City.Definitely an enjoyable read for those who appreciate renowned and well-written religious allegories.

[bradkautz · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

By reputation John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress is one of the classics of English literature, being in print continuously since 1678 and being translated into over 200 languages. In its essence it is the story of Christian faith, following a person of faith as he journeys through life until he arrives at his heavenly home. It is told from the vantage point of a dream and makes excellent use of the method of allegory. Bunyan wrote this masterpiece in two parts, the first being the story of the journey of a pilgrim, Christian, from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. The second part is the story of his wife, Christiana, and their four children taking the same journey several years later. Christiana had mocked her husband when he left and she delights in learning the details of his travel as she finds herself being led along the same road. I found Christiana's travels more compelling, perhaps due to the way in which vibrant faith was also expressed in the children.While Bunyan used allegory to tell this story everything about it comes across as something he knows first-hand, either from his own personal experience as a Christian who was jailed for his faith, or that he learned while serving as a pastor. The struggles that Christian and Christiana go through, although written over 300 years ago, are the struggles of Christians today. And so are the joys and delights that are found in the Christian life. I received this book three years ago as a gift from someone who said he read from it often. And now, having read it myself, I am beginning to understand why, and I anticipate I will follow his habit.

[mumfie_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This has to be one of the most tedious books ever written. The imagery used such as the Slough of Despondency is great but that's about it. It's the second time I've read it and don't think I'll manage a third.

[glennbell_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

The book is composed of two stories. The story of the pilgrimage of Christian is followed by a story of his wife Christiana's pilgrimage with her children. The story has similarities to that of paradise lost. Bunyan's story is tedious and boring. I cannot recommend the book to anyone but the fanatic.

[lisamaria_c · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This 1678 work is Christian allegory with a capital C. It may not be necessary to be a Christian to love this, but I’m sure it helps. A lot. A whole lot. Particularly helps to be a “fire and brimstone” Christian who believes humans aren’t just fallen but completely depraved and not about to make it into Heaven unless they walk one narrow path. I’m not a Christian--I’m an atheist. That doesn’t stop me from loving Dante’s Divine Comedy, also a work suffused with Christian themes--but Bunyan is no Dante. There is something very human, let alone humanistic about Dante. Wonderful stories--often about real people and historic personages such as Vergil and Brutus with which Dante peopled his Hell, Purgatory and Heaven. Bunyan is much more abstract--his journey to the Celestial City is filled with such figures as “Pliance,” “Worldly Wiseman,” “Evangelist” and “Hopeful.” Dante’s a poet--Bunyan a preacher--and believe me, you can tell. Honestly I’m surprised I didn’t completely hate it, especially since I don’t like allegory that is so blatant. I read it because it’s on Good Reading’s “100 Significant Books”--and because it keeps coming up over and over in books I’ve read. It provides the title and theme for Thackeray’s Vanity Fair and the theme and structure for Alcott’s Little Women where the March sisters play at taking up Christian’s “burden.” The Introduction of the edition I read tells us that “for two hundred years, The Pilgrim’s Progress was, after the Bible, the most widely read book in the English-speaking world” and the “most widely influential book ever written in English.” From time to time I’ve heard of the “Slough of Despond,” “Doubtful Castle” and the “Delectable Mountains.” I think that kept my interest pretty keen through Part One, where Christian, taking up his “burden” of sin, climbs mountains and walks through such valleys as the Shadow of Death. Being raised a Christian as well as encountering the literary allusions to it meant I had enough of the context to keep me fairly engaged. Endnotes and footnotes and even sidenotes in the Barnes and Noble edition helped a lot in keeping the 17th century prose understandable. Without them a lot of the doctrinal squabbles between Catholics, Anglicans, Puritans, Quakers and other non-conformists alluded to in the work would have slipped right on by--although the spirit of intolerance towards those of Bunyan's coreligionists who don’t agree with him didn’t need footnotes to come through. There's only one way to Heaven--Bunyan's way. You go through the Wicket Gate, with your Robe and your Mark and your Roll or you fall into Hell. On the other hand, knowing Bunyan wrote this in prison, where he spent twelve years because he refused to abandon his Christian principles, did mean that when Christian encountered monsters and beasts and mobs I knew these weren’t just puffed up imaginary impediments. Bunyan walked the walk; I had to respect that. He lived this story. That came through too.I did start finding it a slog in Part Two. That part, written years later, isn’t a continuation as much as a sequel. One where wife Christiana and kidlets follow the road already traveled; I found that too repetitive. I think I was also irked that while Christian, who abandoned his family, is able to strike out on his own, his distaff counterpart has to have a guide, Greatheart. While Christian gets to fight the monster Apollyon himself, his wife stands by while her champion slays all in their way. If all is allegory, what does that say about the weakness of women’s souls? On the other hand, this part of the story at least is more compassionate than hectoring, as pilgrims help those weaker to make the journey. I am glad I did finally read Pilgrim’s Progress, if only to better catch the frequent references in literature. I don't know that I can honestly say I liked Part One though, and I wasn't far into Part Two before I was soooo tired of this. Yet I can’t help think a lot of fantasy from The Wizard of Oz to Narnia owes a debt to Bunyan. At the least, it might give any rereads of Little Women a whole new layer of meaning...

[clarehatt · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I absolutely loved reading this! It has to be the best allegory of man's search for life and salvation. This book promises love, hope, light, healing, joy and peace. The only thing the reader must do, is find his path and then stay on it.

[jwhenderson_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Bunyan begins his allegory with an interesting argument that fiction can be used to strengthen Christian faith. By giving examples from the Bible he demonstrates a need to silence critics of fiction who apparently would limit spiritual training to reading the Bible. He also inoculates the reader by stating that the book was written primarily for the author's own spiritual development.Beginning the story in the wilderness brings Dante to mind at the start of the allegory. Christian seems to learn various things in the course of his pilgrimage, but throughout it he hardly appears to change at all. This was just one aspect that disappointed me. I did not find the book as impressive an argument for spiritual growth as other more personal memoirs from writers like Augustine or Thomas Merton. Perhaps this classic may be best appreciated by those who are true believers rather than those who are truly seeking wisdom.

[jdmerth_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is an amazingly helpful book for Christians. It's a reminder that we are on a constant journey which only began at the wicket gate and continues until our death. I'll be reading this again and again!

[readingrat_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I throughly enjoyed this book. There are so many references to this work throughout modern and classic literature that it was interesting to finally hear the original work. Furthermore, I highly recommend listening to the public domain audio recording of this book found at librivox.com. Although these audio files are not professionally done, the English woman who reads this work for Librivox has a wonderful voice that really compliments the work and brings the book to life.

[mrslee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A book of many layers, you can read it over and over and still find new treasures in it.

[theologicaldan · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is a classic for good reason. While it was written three hundred years ago, the characters come to life and shed light on the struggle of living as a Christian. This is a must read.

[grinningdwarf · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Classic allegory about the Christian journey thorugh life. Belongs in every Christian library.

[taterzngravy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We read this together as a family during our family time after dinner. The story itself is a classic that everyone should be familiar with. This edition adds color plates and drawings that add to the enjoyment of the book.

[pepys_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Yes, I liked this book. Although I am not normally interested in this kind of Christian literature, I own that it is cleverly written, with plain and simple words which make you feel in peace. Perhaps the best way to enjoy this book would be to read it aloud for the musicality of the sentences.

[whicker_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A true classic for both the Christian and the non-Christian world. Excellent example of allegory.

[samtekoa · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is an abbreviated version with fantastic illustrations. Probably very good to read to children but a bit too simplistic for adults. Enjoyable none the less.

[ex_ottoyuhr · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Bunyan has very clearly read his Spenser, and that's a good thing. He creates an admirably readable allegory of what is actually, not the Puritan progress to salvation, but the Catholic one. I lost count of the times when Christian backslides or comes close, only to return penitiently to the proper path; it's rather awkward for the allegory _qua_ Puritan allegory that sin and repentance, so amply provided for in Catholicism, don't even _appear_ in the Calvinist model. Chesterton was right, and I think it was Bunyan who inspired him to say it: the Catholic faith is the only human faith, and is mirrored endlessly by reality and story alike -- even when the story is by one who would be a little bit... _chagrined_ to discover just what Church he was writing for.

[devenish_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I'm probably going to regret writing this,but I have to say that worthy though I'm sure it is,I found this book to be almost unreadable and rather boring as well.So much as I would like to praise 'The Pilgrim's Progress',I give it a 3 star only.

[pickwick817 · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

This is a book that must have been groundbreaking for its time. I did not enjoy it too much. Christian, the main character has almost an obstacle course of sinners and evil to pass through to get to his final destination. I found myself hoping he would fail rather than succeed.

[kwmcdonald_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of the old Christian classics that I thought was going to be tedious but I ought to read...instead within a few pages, I found it extremely engrossing and wound up loving it. It presents an amazingly colorful allegory of the Christian life.

[the_hibernator · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Summary: In this allegorical novel, a pilgrim named Christian travels a journey in which he loses the heavy weight of his sins, is tempted to sin again, and eventually reaches paradise.My thoughts: I’m not sure why this is the most printed book in English, other than the Bible. I love allegory generally, but this allegory beat you over the head with obviousness. Everyone and everything was given a name (like Christian) that said explicitly what the character or impediment represented. The story itself was interesting enough, I suppose, as a concept, I just wish it were more subtle. This is also not a book for non-Christians, unless they are reading for the sake of learning about classic literature.

[ecataldi-1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

I don't know if this is the worst book that I've ever read or if the audiobook was so atrocious that it made it into the worst thing ever. This book was a nightmare. I get it, I get it, I know it's supposed to be a Christian allegory, but listening to six hours of this (fully fucking dramatized) was hell. HELL. I wanted to bleach my ears. I couldn't handle it anymore, did Satan narrate this? This book made the Lord of the Rings trilogy look like a cake walk!! The Pilgrim's Progress was a long ass journey to heaven made by "Christian" and other people he runs into. They face all sorts of dumb shit and get into dumb trouble and make lots of dumb decisions but SOME FUCKING HOW still make it to heaven (spoiler alert). Christian loses lots of companions, walks into dumb scenarios every other page, but luckily for him, he had some faith so he made it. UGH. I hate everything. I'm glad this nightmare book is over.

[deborahjade · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

When I was in my early high school, I read Little Pilgrim's Progress and thought it was a quite a fun story with swords and battles and adventures. Reading the 'adult' version of the book has brought back memories as I try and align the two.
This version was still quite readable and the first part of the book followed Christian as he journeyed to the wicket gate to start walking on the narrow path. He struggled with or fought of or was almost misled by various characters and trials. Each of the people was given a name that reflected their character, such as Faithful, Hopeful, Ignorance, Evangelist and Pliable.
However, after passing through Vanity Fair and the Celestial Mountains, the story started to slow down with several lengthy theological explanations as they walked along. The end of the journey appeared suddenly and the characters walked a pretty easy path near the end, with not many challenges.
And of course, in the end, they successfully reach heaven and are allowed to enter in.
One thing that concerned me as I read was that the book was running out of pages to cover his wife's story. From what I recall, Little Pilgrim's Progress covers both Christian and Christiana's stories. According to Wikipedia, there is a second book that covers her story, although it is possible the edition I read was slightly abridged and did not include it.