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Christian Encounters Series
John Bunyan
Christian Encounters, a series of biographies from Thomas Nelson Publishers, highlights important lives from all ages and areas of the Church. Some are familiar faces. Others are unexpected guests. But all, through their relationships, struggles, prayers, and desires, uniquely illuminate our shared experience.
John Bunyan's world was a turbulent age of regicide, civil war, and revolution. Against this backdrop emerged a man whose matchless literary gifts were burnished amidst suffering and who profoundly influenced western culture. This Christian Encounters biography presents the life story you've never heard-how, amidst the crucible of repeated imprisonments, civil war, and violent persecution, John Bunyan crafted The Pilgrim's Progress, a testament unlike any other to the triumph of the human spirit.
- GenresBiography
169 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
3 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
Kevin Belmonte
29 books16 followersKEVIN BELMONTE holds a B.A. in English from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, and a second Master's Degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine. He has twice been a Finalist for the John Pollock Award for Christian Biography, and in 2003, his book, William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity, won that award. For five years, his biography of William Wilberforce has been taught as part of a course on leadership and character formation at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government. On several occasions, he has served as a script consultant for the BBC, and also for the PBS documentary, The Better Hour. For six years, he was the lead script and historical consultant for the critically acclaimed film, Amazing Grace. Kevin resides in a seaside village in Maine with his wife, Kelly, and their seven-year-old son, Sam.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
December 31, 2014
This was a great starter biography to close out the year for me. I would love to read more on Bunyan (maybe his autobiography), but this was a great way to get the background on his life before I finally read The Pilgrims Progress. If the whole series is as good as this volume was, It'll be a great little find.
May 20, 2018
In his preface to John Bunyan, Kevin Belmonte speaks of his youthful intoxication with the Christian writer’s “simply wrought cadences” and “vividly conceived characters,” as well as his mastery of imagery “that has inspired writers from Thackeray to C. S. Lewis.” Both in his preface and in his prologue to this succinct, but informative, biography, Belmonte describes the many acknowledgements that have been paid over the ages to Bunyan’s key work The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Aware of the pivotal role played by biographers in helping to establish the role of any great craftsman, Belmonte pays full tribute to John Brown, whom he notes to be “[p]erhaps Bunyan’s most assiduous biographer.” In fact, the acknowledgement that he gives to Brown’s work might very well apply, albeit it to a smaller format, to John Bunyan: “The impression one gets when leafing through his handsome [perhaps one should say, in this case, modestly framed], carefully documented work is that of a man who has undertaken his own pilgrimage—seeking to recover, as much as can be done, all of the sights, sounds, and settings that shaped John Bunyan.”
Just how the semi-schooled son of a tinker came to write one of the most influential books in the entire pantheon of English literature provides the gist of Belmonte’s biography. Exploring Bunyan’s life and times from his birth in 1628, till his death in 1688 (for which a detailed timeline is given in the appendix to the text), Belmonte reveals all that it is necessary to know about the core factors that contributed to the creation of the enduring masterpiece, including Bunyan’s many bouts of depression, to which so many creative thinkers succumb.
Those who have had troubled a life themselves are likely to empathize with the many difficulties that plagued Bunyan’s life, including his imprisonment, during which time he wrote his great masterpiece. Extremely well sourced and referenced, John Bunyan is a more than adequate introduction to, and overview of, the writings of one of the great men of faith, who, despite many a trial and tribulation, has, nevertheless, across countless generations managed to inspire many a flagging spirit to renew the fight against earthly temptations and travails.
Kevin Belmonte holds a B.A. in English Literature from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and a second master’s degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine (Portland). Following the earlier publication of his outstanding biography William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Zondervan/HarperCollins, 2007), Belmonte received the prestigious John Pollock Award for Christian Biography. For six years, he also served as the lead historical consultant for the major motion picture Amazing Grace.
Aware of the pivotal role played by biographers in helping to establish the role of any great craftsman, Belmonte pays full tribute to John Brown, whom he notes to be “[p]erhaps Bunyan’s most assiduous biographer.” In fact, the acknowledgement that he gives to Brown’s work might very well apply, albeit it to a smaller format, to John Bunyan: “The impression one gets when leafing through his handsome [perhaps one should say, in this case, modestly framed], carefully documented work is that of a man who has undertaken his own pilgrimage—seeking to recover, as much as can be done, all of the sights, sounds, and settings that shaped John Bunyan.”
Just how the semi-schooled son of a tinker came to write one of the most influential books in the entire pantheon of English literature provides the gist of Belmonte’s biography. Exploring Bunyan’s life and times from his birth in 1628, till his death in 1688 (for which a detailed timeline is given in the appendix to the text), Belmonte reveals all that it is necessary to know about the core factors that contributed to the creation of the enduring masterpiece, including Bunyan’s many bouts of depression, to which so many creative thinkers succumb.
Those who have had troubled a life themselves are likely to empathize with the many difficulties that plagued Bunyan’s life, including his imprisonment, during which time he wrote his great masterpiece. Extremely well sourced and referenced, John Bunyan is a more than adequate introduction to, and overview of, the writings of one of the great men of faith, who, despite many a trial and tribulation, has, nevertheless, across countless generations managed to inspire many a flagging spirit to renew the fight against earthly temptations and travails.
Kevin Belmonte holds a B.A. in English Literature from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and a second master’s degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine (Portland). Following the earlier publication of his outstanding biography William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Zondervan/HarperCollins, 2007), Belmonte received the prestigious John Pollock Award for Christian Biography. For six years, he also served as the lead historical consultant for the major motion picture Amazing Grace.
November 9, 2024
A great, concise biography. Been on my shelf for a while now, glad to have finally read it!
February 19, 2017
Perhaps no other book besides the Bible itself, has had more of an impact on Western culture as a whole and Christianity in particular than John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. Bunyan was not a well-educated divine, nor a churchman of high caliber. He was not educated in Oxford or Cambridge. No, he was a simple tinker — yet he proved to be a master of English prose. His writing anticipated the novel, bringing together fantasy, adventure and suspense masterfully.
How could such a simple man create one of the world’s true masterpieces of literary art? And just who was Bunyan anyway?
A new biography by Kevin Belmonte in the Christian Encounters series from Thomas Nelson publishers, aims to unravel Bunyan’s tale and introduce us to the man behind Pilgrim’s Progress. Written in a simple, straightforward style, this little book is the perfect starting point for learning more about John Bunyan. The account of his life begins with a depiction of England’s countryside in the time of Cromwell. Bunyan’s years in the parliamentary army, and the commonly available adventure tales of the day are described in detail. Bunyan’s trade and his family home, his first marriage with its sorrows. And finally the account of his conversion, all are traced in detail.
Then the ordeal of his imprisonment and the heroic role his second wife played in pleading for her husband’s freedom in front of several high nobles, are recounted in surprising detail. Bunyan’s masterpiece is summarized and described, as is his subsequent noteworthy career. Bunyan’s death and his lasting impact are covered as the book ends with a timeline for situating the events of Bunyan’s life with that of wider history.
At times the book’s straightforward nature, and use of multiple sources gives it a start and stop, stilted feel. Perhaps this helps the average reader today, who may more easily absorb the material as it comes in smaller chapters that are easier to tackle. After getting used to the stylistic difference, the book warmed to me and I appreciated the level of detail that Belmonte was able to work into this short volume, of only 170 pages. The fact that numerous works on Bunyan are consulted and often quoted, ensures that the fullest picture of the man is painted. And I found the many quotes from notable figures, past and present, about their view of Pilgrim’s Progress and Bunyan’s impact, to be a welcome addition to the book.
If you’re looking for an introduction to John Bunyan, a truly great man, this book is for you. The sources will also point you to fuller works to pursue after finishing this one. The lasting legacy of Bunyan is captured and presented to the modern reader well, in this little book. Reading this will help you appreciate Pilgrim’s Progress more, and make you want to pick up that classic again. It will also cause you to thank God for heroes of the faith, like Bunyan, whose willingness to suffer for the Faith is a lesson for Christians of all ages.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Thomas Nelson publishers. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
How could such a simple man create one of the world’s true masterpieces of literary art? And just who was Bunyan anyway?
A new biography by Kevin Belmonte in the Christian Encounters series from Thomas Nelson publishers, aims to unravel Bunyan’s tale and introduce us to the man behind Pilgrim’s Progress. Written in a simple, straightforward style, this little book is the perfect starting point for learning more about John Bunyan. The account of his life begins with a depiction of England’s countryside in the time of Cromwell. Bunyan’s years in the parliamentary army, and the commonly available adventure tales of the day are described in detail. Bunyan’s trade and his family home, his first marriage with its sorrows. And finally the account of his conversion, all are traced in detail.
Then the ordeal of his imprisonment and the heroic role his second wife played in pleading for her husband’s freedom in front of several high nobles, are recounted in surprising detail. Bunyan’s masterpiece is summarized and described, as is his subsequent noteworthy career. Bunyan’s death and his lasting impact are covered as the book ends with a timeline for situating the events of Bunyan’s life with that of wider history.
At times the book’s straightforward nature, and use of multiple sources gives it a start and stop, stilted feel. Perhaps this helps the average reader today, who may more easily absorb the material as it comes in smaller chapters that are easier to tackle. After getting used to the stylistic difference, the book warmed to me and I appreciated the level of detail that Belmonte was able to work into this short volume, of only 170 pages. The fact that numerous works on Bunyan are consulted and often quoted, ensures that the fullest picture of the man is painted. And I found the many quotes from notable figures, past and present, about their view of Pilgrim’s Progress and Bunyan’s impact, to be a welcome addition to the book.
If you’re looking for an introduction to John Bunyan, a truly great man, this book is for you. The sources will also point you to fuller works to pursue after finishing this one. The lasting legacy of Bunyan is captured and presented to the modern reader well, in this little book. Reading this will help you appreciate Pilgrim’s Progress more, and make you want to pick up that classic again. It will also cause you to thank God for heroes of the faith, like Bunyan, whose willingness to suffer for the Faith is a lesson for Christians of all ages.
Disclaimer: This book was provided by Thomas Nelson publishers. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.
December 17, 2010
In his preface to Christian Encounters: John Bunyan, Kevin Belmonte speaks of his youthful intoxication with the Christian writer’s “simply wrought cadences” and “vividly conceived characters”, as well as his mastery of imagery “that has inspired writers from Thackeray to C. S. Lewis”. Both in his preface and in his prologue to this succinct, but informative, biography Belmonte describes the many acknowledgements that have been paid over the ages to Bunyan’s key work The Pilgrim’s Progress.
Aware of the pivotal role played by biographers in helping to establish the role of any great craftsman, Belmonte pays full tribute to John Brown, whom he notes to be “[p]erhaps Bunyan’s most assiduous biographer”. In fact, the acknowledgement that he gives to Brown’s work might very well apply, albeit it to a smaller format, to Christian Encounters: John Bunyan: “The impression one gets when leafing through his handsome [perhaps one should say, in this case, modestly framed], carefully documented work is that of a man who has undertaken his own pilgrimage—seeking to recover, as much as can be done, all of the sights, sounds, and settings that shaped John Bunyan.”
Just how the semi-schooled son of a tinker came to write one of the most influential books in the entire pantheon of English literature provides the gist of Belmonte’s biography. Exploring Bunyan’s life and times from his birth in 1628, till his death in 1688 (for which a detailed timeline is given in the appendix to the text), Belmonte reveals all that is necessary to know about the core factors that contributed to the creation of the enduring masterpiece, including Bunyan’s many bouts of depression, to which so many creative thinkers succumb.
Those who have had troubled lives themselves are likely to empathize with the many difficulties that plagued Bunyan’s life, including his imprisonment, during which time he wrote his great masterpiece. Extremely well sourced and referenced, Christian Encounters: John Bunyan is a more than adequate introduction to, and overview of, the writings of one of the great men of faith, who, despite many a trial and tribulation, has, nevertheless, across countless generations managed to inspire many a flagging spirit to renew the fight against earthly temptations and travails.
Kevin Belmonte holds a B.A. in English Literature from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and a second master’s degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine (Portland). Following the earlier publication of his outstanding biography William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Zondervan/HarperCollins, 2007), Belmonte received the prestigious John Pollock Award for Christian Biography. For six years, he also served as the lead historical consultant for the major motion picture Amazing Grace. [Reviewer for BookPleasures.com]
Aware of the pivotal role played by biographers in helping to establish the role of any great craftsman, Belmonte pays full tribute to John Brown, whom he notes to be “[p]erhaps Bunyan’s most assiduous biographer”. In fact, the acknowledgement that he gives to Brown’s work might very well apply, albeit it to a smaller format, to Christian Encounters: John Bunyan: “The impression one gets when leafing through his handsome [perhaps one should say, in this case, modestly framed], carefully documented work is that of a man who has undertaken his own pilgrimage—seeking to recover, as much as can be done, all of the sights, sounds, and settings that shaped John Bunyan.”
Just how the semi-schooled son of a tinker came to write one of the most influential books in the entire pantheon of English literature provides the gist of Belmonte’s biography. Exploring Bunyan’s life and times from his birth in 1628, till his death in 1688 (for which a detailed timeline is given in the appendix to the text), Belmonte reveals all that is necessary to know about the core factors that contributed to the creation of the enduring masterpiece, including Bunyan’s many bouts of depression, to which so many creative thinkers succumb.
Those who have had troubled lives themselves are likely to empathize with the many difficulties that plagued Bunyan’s life, including his imprisonment, during which time he wrote his great masterpiece. Extremely well sourced and referenced, Christian Encounters: John Bunyan is a more than adequate introduction to, and overview of, the writings of one of the great men of faith, who, despite many a trial and tribulation, has, nevertheless, across countless generations managed to inspire many a flagging spirit to renew the fight against earthly temptations and travails.
Kevin Belmonte holds a B.A. in English Literature from Gordon College, an M.A. in Church History from Gordon-Conwell Seminary, and a second master’s degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine (Portland). Following the earlier publication of his outstanding biography William Wilberforce: A Hero for Humanity (Zondervan/HarperCollins, 2007), Belmonte received the prestigious John Pollock Award for Christian Biography. For six years, he also served as the lead historical consultant for the major motion picture Amazing Grace. [Reviewer for BookPleasures.com]
April 5, 2013
350 years ago, an English man of humble origins wrote the Christian (and, really, English language) classic, The Pilgrim's Progress. "John Bunyan (Christian Encounters Series" is his biography.
I must confess I've never read The Pilgrim's Progress, although as a living-and-breathing human, I've certainly heard many references to it. This book made me curious to read it.
This book is part of a new Thomas Nelson series - Christian Encounters. They are short (this book was 140 pages) biographies of various famous Christians. I like the concept - there are many folks I'd like to know more about, but perhaps not devote a 350-page book to. The length and depth of these is just right. They would be perfectly appropriate for teens and tweens as well.
What did I learn about Bunyan? Well, he was a "tinker" - he worked with metal and was poor, only getting a year or so of schooling. He treasured the 1 or 2 books he had access to. He became a preacher, which landed him in jail for over a decade during a tumultuous period of England's history when "dissent" wasn't looked upon favorably. It was during his first lengthy stint in prison that part 1 of Pilgrim's Progress was written.
When, near the end of his life, the king offered him a political appointment, it's a testament to his character that he turned it down. He rode through a rainstorm to preach at a faraway town, only to catch cold and die a few weeks later - his pilgrim's life finally at an end.
Recommended.
I must confess I've never read The Pilgrim's Progress, although as a living-and-breathing human, I've certainly heard many references to it. This book made me curious to read it.
This book is part of a new Thomas Nelson series - Christian Encounters. They are short (this book was 140 pages) biographies of various famous Christians. I like the concept - there are many folks I'd like to know more about, but perhaps not devote a 350-page book to. The length and depth of these is just right. They would be perfectly appropriate for teens and tweens as well.
What did I learn about Bunyan? Well, he was a "tinker" - he worked with metal and was poor, only getting a year or so of schooling. He treasured the 1 or 2 books he had access to. He became a preacher, which landed him in jail for over a decade during a tumultuous period of England's history when "dissent" wasn't looked upon favorably. It was during his first lengthy stint in prison that part 1 of Pilgrim's Progress was written.
When, near the end of his life, the king offered him a political appointment, it's a testament to his character that he turned it down. He rode through a rainstorm to preach at a faraway town, only to catch cold and die a few weeks later - his pilgrim's life finally at an end.
Recommended.
March 21, 2010
Here is a review I wrote in exchange for a free copy of the book for Thomas Nelson Publishers as a part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program:
In John Bunyan, Kevin Belmonte documents the life and times of John Bunyan and the impact of his work on well-known authors and political leaders centuries later. The emphasis on the historical context in which Bunyan lived draws attention to the political unrest and imprisonment Bunyan experienced. Bunyan’s family life and literary influences are also addressed.
This biography provide a good taste of an overview of Bunyan’s life and place in history. Still, I am left wanting to know more about Bunyan’s inner struggles –the “melancholy” (p.43) that he may have experienced as well as his spiritual thoughts and growth. Perhaps Bunyan’s autobiography, Grace Abounding, would provide even more details to that end.
There is a particular spiritual experience mentioned in John Bunyan (p.74) that intrigues me, one where the concept of going to Jesus comes alive. Part of why this resonates with me is that I too, once had an experience where the idea of coming to Jesus leapt out at me. As I also can feel great unrest, I yearn to learn more about Bunyan’s personal hardships and how God pulled him through.
All in all, I would recommend this book, and it is one that I may read again.
In John Bunyan, Kevin Belmonte documents the life and times of John Bunyan and the impact of his work on well-known authors and political leaders centuries later. The emphasis on the historical context in which Bunyan lived draws attention to the political unrest and imprisonment Bunyan experienced. Bunyan’s family life and literary influences are also addressed.
This biography provide a good taste of an overview of Bunyan’s life and place in history. Still, I am left wanting to know more about Bunyan’s inner struggles –the “melancholy” (p.43) that he may have experienced as well as his spiritual thoughts and growth. Perhaps Bunyan’s autobiography, Grace Abounding, would provide even more details to that end.
There is a particular spiritual experience mentioned in John Bunyan (p.74) that intrigues me, one where the concept of going to Jesus comes alive. Part of why this resonates with me is that I too, once had an experience where the idea of coming to Jesus leapt out at me. As I also can feel great unrest, I yearn to learn more about Bunyan’s personal hardships and how God pulled him through.
All in all, I would recommend this book, and it is one that I may read again.
June 6, 2010
What can one say about John Bunyan that hasn't been said? Probably very little, to be honest. At the same time, new efforts should indeed be made to keep the life and work of this man before our eyes and minds.
Bunyan grew up extremely poor, the son of a tinker, married early in life and lost his wife early in life. Through the efforts of his first wife he was led to Christ. From there Bunyan's life took a pronounced turn which would change the world.
Being jailed (for a total of twelve years!) for preaching the gospel (Bunyan was a dissenter in that he did not attend the Church of England) without state permission, Bunyan turned to writing. The most popular of his works is A Pilgrim's Progress, which was written while he was imprisoned.
The theology, spirituality, and great writing of Bunyan are with us today. Thankfully, Kevin Belmonte has done us a service by writing another biography of Bunyan which I heartily recommend.
This book is part of a series of biographies of great Christians called “Christian Encounters” that Thomas Nelson is publishing.
This book was provided by the Amazon Vine program.
Bunyan grew up extremely poor, the son of a tinker, married early in life and lost his wife early in life. Through the efforts of his first wife he was led to Christ. From there Bunyan's life took a pronounced turn which would change the world.
Being jailed (for a total of twelve years!) for preaching the gospel (Bunyan was a dissenter in that he did not attend the Church of England) without state permission, Bunyan turned to writing. The most popular of his works is A Pilgrim's Progress, which was written while he was imprisoned.
The theology, spirituality, and great writing of Bunyan are with us today. Thankfully, Kevin Belmonte has done us a service by writing another biography of Bunyan which I heartily recommend.
This book is part of a series of biographies of great Christians called “Christian Encounters” that Thomas Nelson is publishing.
This book was provided by the Amazon Vine program.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews