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Pilgrim’s Progress (Bunyan): Updated, Modern English. More than 100 Illustrations. Parts 1 & 2
Includes Parts 1 & 2
Often disguised as something that would help him, evil accompanies Christian on his journey to the Celestial City. As you walk with him, you’ll begin to identify today’s many religious pitfalls. These are presented by men such as Pliable, who turns back at the Slough of Despond; and Ignorance, who believes he’s a true follower of Christ when he’s really only trusting in himself. Each character represented in this allegory is intentionally and profoundly accurate in its depiction of what we see all around us, and unfortunately, what we too often see in ourselves. But while Christian is injured and nearly killed, he eventually prevails to the end. So can you.
The best part of this book is the Bible verses added to the text. The original Pilgrim’s Progress listed the Bible verse references, but the verses themselves are so impactful when tied to the scenes in this allegory, that they are now included within the text of this book. The text is tweaked just enough to make it readable today, for the young and the old. Youngsters in particular will be drawn to the original illustrations included in this wonderful classic.
About the Author
John Bunyan was born November 1628, in Elstow, England. A celebrated English minister and preacher, he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress (1678), the book that was the most characteristic expression of the Puritan religious outlook. His other works include doctrinal and controversial writings; a spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding (1666); and the allegory The Holy War (1682)
Often disguised as something that would help him, evil accompanies Christian on his journey to the Celestial City. As you walk with him, you’ll begin to identify today’s many religious pitfalls. These are presented by men such as Pliable, who turns back at the Slough of Despond; and Ignorance, who believes he’s a true follower of Christ when he’s really only trusting in himself. Each character represented in this allegory is intentionally and profoundly accurate in its depiction of what we see all around us, and unfortunately, what we too often see in ourselves. But while Christian is injured and nearly killed, he eventually prevails to the end. So can you.
The best part of this book is the Bible verses added to the text. The original Pilgrim’s Progress listed the Bible verse references, but the verses themselves are so impactful when tied to the scenes in this allegory, that they are now included within the text of this book. The text is tweaked just enough to make it readable today, for the young and the old. Youngsters in particular will be drawn to the original illustrations included in this wonderful classic.
About the Author
John Bunyan was born November 1628, in Elstow, England. A celebrated English minister and preacher, he wrote The Pilgrim's Progress (1678), the book that was the most characteristic expression of the Puritan religious outlook. His other works include doctrinal and controversial writings; a spiritual autobiography, Grace Abounding (1666); and the allegory The Holy War (1682)
384 pages, Paperback
Published January 14, 2015
About the author
John Bunyan
1,849 books1,528 followersJohn 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.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
July 20, 2023
A classic, it speaks to one even today.
December 31, 2024
Second reading 2023-24 w/ L & I: still so so good.
2020: This was my first time reading this book and it exceeding all expectations (which were pretty high to begin with).
2020: This was my first time reading this book and it exceeding all expectations (which were pretty high to begin with).
June 14, 2023
Everyone should read The Pilgrim's Progress, a true masterpiece of English literature and a biblical story of the narrow way that leads to life. This was my second time through Part 1 (what most people think as The Pilgrim's Progress) and my first reading of part 2 (Christiana's story). This slightly modernized version was very good and easy to read, even though I might quibble with a few changes made from the original. Highly recommended.
June 20, 2023
What a great puritan book by John Bunyan!
His teaching style is its own thing and really works well for biblical teaching - an allegory, through each character (e.g., “Talkative,” “Mr Worldly Wise”). This book is pretty well known by most people, but not often actually read - but it should be read, maybe even every year as some did. And with all the verses right there in the book, as with newer versions, it makes it much easier than having to look up references.
Part I, the more famous story of Christian, is my favorite of the two stories I think. Part II, about his wife Christiana, is good, but often repeats the first journey and I think I generally enjoyed reading about the journey of Christian, as well as Faithful and Hopeful, more.
5/5
His teaching style is its own thing and really works well for biblical teaching - an allegory, through each character (e.g., “Talkative,” “Mr Worldly Wise”). This book is pretty well known by most people, but not often actually read - but it should be read, maybe even every year as some did. And with all the verses right there in the book, as with newer versions, it makes it much easier than having to look up references.
Part I, the more famous story of Christian, is my favorite of the two stories I think. Part II, about his wife Christiana, is good, but often repeats the first journey and I think I generally enjoyed reading about the journey of Christian, as well as Faithful and Hopeful, more.
5/5
September 28, 2024
A beautiful allegory of the Christian life. Even though this book was written hundreds of years ago, it is amazing how relatable the characters themselves are, as well as their trials and triumphs. The best fiction works are capable of being enjoyed by people of all ages (I think there’s a C.S. Lewis quote about that somewhere). Pilgrims Progress is enthralling to the young mind as it engages the imagination with the stories of foul beasts and heroic Pilgrims. As one grows older and reads Pilgrims Progress again, the mature mind reaps the benefits of the deeper truths buried under the surface story. Every time I’ve read Pilgrims Progress, I’ve felt my soul refreshed because it always drives me back to God’s Word and the truths proclaimed in it.
Pilgrims progress also has the best ending of any fictional work ever written. It is emotional, glorious, hope-filled and wonderful to read again and again. I won’t spoil it, but I bet you can guess what happens.
Pilgrims progress also has the best ending of any fictional work ever written. It is emotional, glorious, hope-filled and wonderful to read again and again. I won’t spoil it, but I bet you can guess what happens.
October 7, 2021
I’m surprised I never heard of this book yet many of my christian friends and pastors read it when they were young.
This is a modern language version with all the scripture references included which made the experience so much richer and immersive (instead of flipping back and forth between the bible).
In a way I’m glad I read it later in life as I found many areas that I related to or was still working on in my own walk in “the way”.
This is a modern language version with all the scripture references included which made the experience so much richer and immersive (instead of flipping back and forth between the bible).
In a way I’m glad I read it later in life as I found many areas that I related to or was still working on in my own walk in “the way”.
December 21, 2016
Bunyan's famous work needs no review from me. This was my second time through The Pilgrim's Progress. But my first through this modern English edition. It was just as enjoyable as the first time. Always an encouragement to a weary soul.
April 4, 2019
Maybe 3 1/2 stars? This took me over a year to finish! It seemed awfully self righteous at times, but interesting in a historical context and had a sweet ending. So happy I finally finished! 😆
April 15, 2026
Who Am I to Say?
I gave a children’s version of John Bunyan’s classic, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, to our granddaughter for Christmas and thought I better get around to reading it myself. Said to be second in publication only to the Bible in English literature (i.e., ahead of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Hemmingway, etc., etc., etc. – perhaps combined in some cases), the extraordinary seventeenth century masterpiece neither requires nor deserves a critical review from me. So, my thoughts are purely a matter of personal taste and preference.
“Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegorical telling of the challenges of living a Christian life. It’s not subtle in its allegorical approach. The myriad characters and locations on Christian’s (and, in Part II, his wife’s, Christiana’s) pilgrimage have names that are unmistakably tied to the virtues or vices they represent (Faithful, Hypocrisy, the Hill of Difficulty, to name just a few of the many). The thing is, I’m just not a particular fan of allegory, so I sometimes found the pilgrimages a bit burdensome. Consequently, it took me quite a while to make my own pilgrimage through the tale. But that’s purely me. Who am I to say? And, in fact it had several nuggets of wisdom that even I found compelling. It’s worth reading just because it’s one of the most significant works in English literature, but it might not be for everyone. I don’t regret reading it.
I gave a children’s version of John Bunyan’s classic, “Pilgrim’s Progress”, to our granddaughter for Christmas and thought I better get around to reading it myself. Said to be second in publication only to the Bible in English literature (i.e., ahead of Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Hemmingway, etc., etc., etc. – perhaps combined in some cases), the extraordinary seventeenth century masterpiece neither requires nor deserves a critical review from me. So, my thoughts are purely a matter of personal taste and preference.
“Pilgrim’s Progress” is an allegorical telling of the challenges of living a Christian life. It’s not subtle in its allegorical approach. The myriad characters and locations on Christian’s (and, in Part II, his wife’s, Christiana’s) pilgrimage have names that are unmistakably tied to the virtues or vices they represent (Faithful, Hypocrisy, the Hill of Difficulty, to name just a few of the many). The thing is, I’m just not a particular fan of allegory, so I sometimes found the pilgrimages a bit burdensome. Consequently, it took me quite a while to make my own pilgrimage through the tale. But that’s purely me. Who am I to say? And, in fact it had several nuggets of wisdom that even I found compelling. It’s worth reading just because it’s one of the most significant works in English literature, but it might not be for everyone. I don’t regret reading it.
July 6, 2020
It really is unfortunate that we have to give one overall rating here, as opposed to one for style, one for content, etc. In any case, let me justify my 4 stars.
For content, effect of edifying the reader, and insights to the Christian pilgrimage, I give about a 4-4.5. Another reader aptly pointed out a gap in the allegory of Part II, which basically suggests that women do not have to “fight” their spiritual battles so long as there is someone else to do it for them (this could get nuanced quickly so we’ll suffice to say that it could have been handled better). Otherwise, the naming conventions, references, and spiritual insights help the reader to understand by way of bald allegory.
For writing style, I give a 3 at best. Some turns of phrases don’t strike me as outdated so much as unnecessary (“as I was saying...”). I readily admit I’m not familiar enough in 17th century fiction writing to winnow our what is simply indicative of the time and what is a stylistic choice on the part of the writer.
Even so, for the sake of the content, I’d recommend this to anybody.
For content, effect of edifying the reader, and insights to the Christian pilgrimage, I give about a 4-4.5. Another reader aptly pointed out a gap in the allegory of Part II, which basically suggests that women do not have to “fight” their spiritual battles so long as there is someone else to do it for them (this could get nuanced quickly so we’ll suffice to say that it could have been handled better). Otherwise, the naming conventions, references, and spiritual insights help the reader to understand by way of bald allegory.
For writing style, I give a 3 at best. Some turns of phrases don’t strike me as outdated so much as unnecessary (“as I was saying...”). I readily admit I’m not familiar enough in 17th century fiction writing to winnow our what is simply indicative of the time and what is a stylistic choice on the part of the writer.
Even so, for the sake of the content, I’d recommend this to anybody.
May 30, 2022
This book was so good! I have never been very good at deeper-level thinking when it comes to books. I typically read the words on the page and picture the surface level things. I only realize the symbolism when my teachers or peers tell me about it. I did not have this problem while reading this book. I understood all the references and caught all of the symbolism. I thought that it was such a clever allegory for the Christian life and challenges your perspective on things. It helped me understand certain Biblical principles better and I found myself making connections through my Biblical knowledge and this story. I will say, I did enjoy the first half, but the second half was my favorite. I loved Christiana’s story because I felt a connection more than with Christian simply because she was a woman. I would just like to add that I love her character. She was strong-willed, had an unmoving faith, and had a little bit of sass.
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
Overall I really enjoyed this book!
April 25, 2016
This edition in Modern English was so much easier to read and understand, especially reading to my son. Also loved having the second book included in this edition, Christiana's journey. My son loved the second story better because he could relate with Christiana's four boys and because there are more "battle scenes." :) I think this secong book gets overshadowed by the first, but it too is filled with rich characters and timeless truths. Perhaps I should just let Bunyan himself persuade you to read it, "If you love to pick the meat of a matter, live in a dream while awake, or want to laugh one moment and weep the next, this book offers that and more."
November 17, 2022
I tried to read this, many years ago, and was so bored, I couldn't make it. Now, in 2022, an excerpt of it is used in the writing curriculum I'm using with my kids (Writing With Ease) for homeschooling, so I decided to try reading it with them. It was . . . ugh. Crushingly dull. I can see its historical importance, and despite its promotion of a certain brand of Christianity, I can see why it might be included as a piece of the canon of Western literature . . . but I was still bored to tears. And I think my kids were, too. So. I'll go up from 1/5 to 2/5 for the historical importance, but . . . I do NOT recommend this one . . .
April 23, 2018
Really appreciated the modern English version! The story is so helpful to seeing various types of pilgrims and various types of imposters and to think personally through the character that seemed to fit me most and the character whom I wish to avoid being. Though I liked having the verses written out for his references to scripture, it was tough to read each page with the verses in line with the text. Wolf have been nice to have them off to the side or footnoted so as to read the story without interruptions.
December 31, 2021
I had to read this book for school, but I truly loved it. It perfectly describes the life of a Christian and the trials that we face, however the story is told in gripping fiction manner. Part one is all about the man named Christian and how he makes his way to heaven. Then part two is about Christiana, Christian’s wife, and how she and her children make it to heaven. This family faces many difficult and life threatening situations, but with the strength and power of God, they can do all things.
December 19, 2024
5 / 5 Stars.
TL;DR: Read if you like allegories and are Christian.
Read this edition (Aneko Press), it is updated into Modern English with Scripture references included. FYI, there is one printing that uses the Jubilee Bible and another that uses the NASB.
I want to go back and make a deep study of this book. Though it is an allegory there is something here for every Pilgrim as they walk along the way.
TL;DR: Read if you like allegories and are Christian.
Read this edition (Aneko Press), it is updated into Modern English with Scripture references included. FYI, there is one printing that uses the Jubilee Bible and another that uses the NASB.
I want to go back and make a deep study of this book. Though it is an allegory there is something here for every Pilgrim as they walk along the way.
February 27, 2019
We are all called to take the journey as a pilgrim. The road is not easy but we are called to remain faithful and to grow in our faith. Read of one man’s journey as a pilgrim and read the second part as his wife and children go on their journey and hear the story of Christian and how his journey influenced others. We can pray that our journey will be an example for others
April 4, 2022
Third time through PP. Once in the original and twice with this version. It’s not a retelling, just modernized some of the words and makes it easier for the kids. All four of my kids love this story and we talk about it often. So many images are used that strengthen their language of faith. A must read IMHO.
July 11, 2021
This has been one of the most thought provoking books that I have ever read. Written in 1600s this books ability to still hold so much truth about our walk with the Lord over so much time is astonishing. Part 1 was by far was my favorite, part 2 was good, but not as amazing as Christians walk.
August 16, 2020
Read Part 1- the tale of Christian’s journey.
August 22, 2020
Every Cristian should read this book. Then, read it to your children!
September 13, 2022
Only read Part 1
July 13, 2023
Too philosophical for my dumb ass
So much so that I couldn't finish it 🥲
So much so that I couldn't finish it 🥲
June 7, 2025
AMAZING!
April 2, 2026
Only read the first part
Did Not Finish
April 5, 2026Hoping to pick it up again in the future.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews