The Pilgrim's Progress (Dover Thrift Editions)

Rating:
Summary: A true classic
Review: I came across this book years ago when I was accepted to University. The book was on the preferred reading list for new students, and so I picked up a copy without knowing anything about it. For those who may have read a "modern English" version of this classic, I'd say go back and read it again in its original form. I've read both, and I prefer the book the way it was written and published in 1678. It reads somewhat like a script, with sections beginning with the name of the person talking, and a constant barrage of characters coming and going.

The book begins with an apology from the author in the form of prose - John Bunyan was a very humble man who spent years in prison for his religious beliefs. My copy also includes a fascimile of the orginal title page from the first edition. The story follows the life of a man named Christian and his travels through the world, trying to find the Celestial city and have the burden on his back removed. As with everything in this story, there is no hiding the truth about who the characters are and what they want with the protagonist - all of the names are quite literal in their descriptions of the characters. For example, he encounters people named Piety, Simple, Sloth, and Presumption. And throughout the story, his burden is literally a heavy weight on his back.

The book has two section, both written in the similitude of a dream. The language is rich and beautiful (which is why I recommend the un-modified version), and sends a message of faith and optimism. I highly recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Engrossing Tale
Review: The Pilgrim's Progress remind you of wonderful tales of journey like the Chronicles of Narnia and the Gifted Girls Series where the characters go through challenges where they learn, grow, and triumph. Very engrossing and kept my attention, John Bunyan has written an engaging book, that will probably become a classic.

Rating:
Summary: John Bunyan was a God believing man!
Review: We need help these days to be able to live much longer. We cannot expect God to be merciful with us any longer if we do not start to change our ways. This book was written by a God believing man who is trying to get people to understand the fate of a sinner and what happens if you believe in God or choose to go your own way. It is written from a dream that John Bunyan himself had. It follows the journey of a young man trying to get rid of his burden of sin. He is finally saved and his sin taken away but he is left in the world, following God and finding the world have turned against him. He finds friends and enemies, temptations and rest, finally ending up where God has promised. All his troubles end. The men who went their own way are hell stricken. I believe that this is the second best book to the BIBLE, and is worth reading! You do not need a simplified version, trust me, this is understandable!

Rating:
Summary: More of an alagory than a story.
Review: Well, if you can comprehend the old english, you'll love this book. But few can understand the text, so I recommend getting this book and the modern english translation. Much better than the old english in my oppinion. It's more of an allagory than a story, but it's classic american literature. A must buy for book lovers.