John Bunyan: Writer of Pilgrims Progress

by Sandy Dengler

Follows the life of the seventeenth-century English preacher, writer, and servant of God, describing his spiritual growth, defense of religious dissent, and years spent in prison writing "Pilgrim's Progress" and other books.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Biography, History

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1986

Reviews

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

In general, a good overview of Bunyan's life. The biography seems to be targeted at a rather young audience based on the writing style. It is also heavily fictionalized (or at least I assume so) as the book is driven quite heavily by extensive conversations which I for a host of reasons seriously doubt occurred in the way the book depicts them. However, the book is an effective reminder of why it is important that the State and the Church remain separate in their spheres of authority. Before reading this, I did not realize the extent of the persecution that Bunyan went through as a preacher in England. He was in and out of prison for decades based essentially on the whims of the King and whatever law Parliament passed regulating the exact manner of worship that was allowed. Unfortunately, the author makes some comments that seem subtly antinomian in character in an overreaction against the anti-Biblical laws of England. Nevertheless, Dengler (and the history surrounding Bunyan) demonstrates the dangers of state imposed religious worship, and Bunyan's life stands as an example of refusing to compromise Biblical truth in the face of imprisonment and even the threat of death.

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was funny at times, and I like how it read like a novel. John Bunyan was one of the worst of sinners. He was a man who had a foul mouth and his journey began to Christ when another sinner pointed out how foul he was. This was a woman who cussed herself and she scolded John, which at first made him angry. He thought that because she was a sinner, she shouldn't be pointing out his own sins. But his wife Christian wife made a wise comment when she said that wrong was wrong, and it's just as wrong to a sinner as to a saint (paraphrase).
If you want a good biography of a sanctified sinner, read this one.

[Scott Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well-paced and rich with little personal descriptions, such as the way John admired his wife's eyes. Not what you would expect in a biography of a "spiritual giant", but details like that help us see Bunyan as human.

This book skips across the years like a flat stone on water, but the author ties it together well. Easy reading, suitable for children, engaging for this adult.

[Nancy Bandusky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative read about the life of the author of Pilgrim's Progress. The book is for old-elementary to junior high age but those ranging from younger to much older will find this quite interesting. The descriptions are done so as to take the reader back in time, to walk in the rutted roads with John Bunyan.

[Addison Braendel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved this book until I looked up John Donne who, according to the author, is languishing in the same jail as Bishop Bunyon, and who is even using Donne’s chair. The problem is that Donne died in 1631 and Bunyon didn’t get arrested until 1660. Sheesh.

Otherwise, a 4 star fun read.

[Rubin Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a concise biography of the writer of Pilgrim's Progress.
A good place to start for those who want learn about the influences of the classic book
it's filled with quaint characterizations of those in Bunyan's life & his struggle against religious institutions
A good read

[Trulee · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really cool to be able to learn more about John Bunyan, he was a great man.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christian Classic

Great reading for anyone who wants to know more about John Bunyan's life and hardships. It may make you appreciate his book "Pilgrims Progress" more, which is one of the many books he wrote while in jail for preaching.