Pilgrim's Progress: In Words of One-Syllable

by John Bunyan

No uninspired volume has ever been demanded with greater eagerness by all classes of readers, or has been so remarkably multiplied through the press, than John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Since the time it first appeared in print in 1678, it has found an intimate acquaintance with the human soul, and its popularity has only increased with the lapse of time. Bunyan’s acuteness as a theologian and his sweet, gentle spirit of Christian instruction skillfully draws the attention of a child as well as the deep absorption of the experienced Christian. The one-syllable edition, originally written in the late 1800s, has been revised and expanded by the publishers of the Christian Family Journal. Nearly one-third of the content of this book is material that has been added to the earlier edition, restoring much of the essence of the spiritual intentions of its author. Though the language has been modernized to some degree, Bunyan’s poetical style and simple conversational English shines

Genres: Classics, Christian

184 pages, Leather Bound

First published January 1, 1869

About the author

John Bunyan, a Christian writer and preacher, was born at Harrowden (one mile south-east of Bedford), in the Parish of Elstow, England. He wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, arguably the most famous published Christian allegory. In the Church of England he is remembered with a Lesser Festival on 30 August.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heavy sledder of a book enlivened with illustrations by Robert Lawson of Ferdinand fame. It's hard to believe this was the most-published book of the 17th-20th centuries, but it was. I kept thinking that it would make a great board game - Oh, too bad: you landed in the Slough of Despond - miss a turn. Oh, no! Hit by Apollyon's dart of fire! Go back three paces. The Delectable Mountains! Go ahead six paces. Oh, joy! You've reached Zion at last.

[Linda Boice]

In featuring The Pilgrim's Progress you list the original author (creator) as Paul Bunyan. The author was John Bunyan, an English Puritan who wrote the book while in prison for preaching without a license. Paul Bunyan was an American lumberman of mythological fame!

[Asya Mtalaki]

I think that this book is extremely profound and a good guide for those who do not know what being a Christian involves. This book was about how Christian began his journey in ''The city of Destruction to the ''Celestial City''. The mission from and to should have been easy for him but his enemy makes it a bit harder. I think that anyone who is trying to find Christ or find Christ again should read this book. I mean, my pov on Christ changed and my journey with God is fine. Imagine what would happen for someone trying to find Christ??

[Joanna Ohnanik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this edition of the classic Pilgrim’s Progress. I checked it out of the library years ago and was finally able to purchase a copy for myself. Even though it’s simple enough for children, I don’t believe it loses any of the impact of the original. I especially love the illustrations by Robert Lawson.

[Mary Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful!!!

This recounting of searchers seeking for an entrance to eternity is quite a guide for anyone thinking of travelling the same road. Stopping to think, it in fact a guide to our daily lives.

[Dean Neidholt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book..a classic

[AL · Rating 5 out of 5]

What great visuals for this classic story! This abridged version is helpful for both children and adults to really absorb the heart of the story

[Denise Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This 1939 edition is a simplified version of that classic of British Literature by John Bunyan. It briefly (120 pages) retells the story of the main character, Christian, as he embarks on a journey where he encounters giants, dragons and other spooky occurrences. Finely illustrated in black and white (some a tad bit too dark, but perhaps fitting to the contents) and concludes with a happy ending in the form of the sweet death bed scene of Christian’s wife Christina.

[Kenneth Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A comforting and thought-provoking re-read of this classic. There is something so compelling in hearing or reading the words of someone who is wholly enraptured with Jesus. I wish I had read this to my kids when they were young.

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reading Children’s bible stories would be of more value, than this story of Christian’s journey through life to get into heaven, followed by when he sends for his wife and family to complete the same journey.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read for our church Lent group.

[Terrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The copy I read was only part 1 and contained 60 illustrations. It was published in 1900. I found it at a garage sale.