The Themes and Issues of The Pilgrim's Progress

by Barry E. Horner, Michael Rotolo (Editor)

As the host of a series of popular teaching seminars on The Pilgrim's Progress, and the author of a revision of the text of the allegory, Barry Horner has been instrumental in bringing Bunyan's classic alive for a new generation of readers across the English-speaking world. After decades of study and seminar teaching around the world, Dr. Horner has encountered countless questions concerning The Pilgrim's Progress. Here is the fruit of his study an in-depth consideration of the most provocative and sometimes puzzling elements woven throughout this unrivaled allegory. Dr. Horner's unashamed intent is always to explain and reinforce Bunyan's conservative Evangelical thrust. Over twenty rich chapters include a wealth of information considering not only stylistic, historical, social and communicative issues, but above all the concern of the Bedford pastor to proclaim the gospel that focuses on the glorious grace of God freely offered through Christ. There is no better commentary available today to unlock the depth and riches of John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress, nor is there arguably a more qualified scholar anywhere to guide us through this classic and monumental work of literature.

368 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Caleb Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Next to the Bible, the book that I value most is John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress,' and I imagine I may have read that through perhaps a hundred times; it is a book of which I never seem to tire, but then the secret of that is, that John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' is the Bible in another shape. It is the same heavenly water taken out of this same well of the gospel." - C. H. Spurgeon

Overall, I do have to say I was let down by this book. I was hoping for a more thorough unpacking of theology in the various scenes of Bunyan's work. Horner's work felt rather disjointed at parts. There were discussions, even whole chapters (Chp. 17 on modern culture), that just didn't seem to help me understand Pilgrim's Progress better.

That's not to say Horner's understanding of Pilgrim's Progress is lacking. In fact, in flipping through his massive commentary on the book, he has great insights. Additionally, his work in producing a modern edition without losing Bunyan's style is remarkable. I just wish this book offered more exegesis of Bunyan's work itself. His chapter on Christian's conversion and the Pastoral emphases in the book were great; the book needed more of that and less meandering along on sometimes seemingly unrelated points.