Bunyan's "The Pilgrim's Progress"

Christian Guides to the Classics

by Leland Ryken

We hear about the classics and assume they're great, but many of us are too intimidated to read them on our own. Crossway's Christian Guides to the Classics series is designed to help readers enjoy the greatest literature in history with the aid of a gifted teacher to answer questions along the way.

This latest volume leads readers through Bunyan's Christian allegory The Pilgrim's Progress. This classic is regarded as one of the most significant works of religious English literature, having been translated into more than 200 languages and never out of print. Overflowing with theological insight regarding the nature of faith, the reality of temptation, and the glory of salvation, this timeless literary gem remains essential reading for all Christians.

Genres: Classics, Theology, Christian, Literature, Nonfiction

97 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2014

About the author

Dr. Ryken has served on the faculty of Wheaton College since 1968. He has published over thirty books and more than one hundred articles and essays, devoting much of his scholarship to Bible translations and the study of the Bible as literature. He served as Literary Chairman for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible and in 2003 received the distinguished Gutenberg Award for his contributions to education, writing, and the understanding of the Bible.

He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken

Reviews

[Jonathan Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid commentary on this class book! My only complaint is that it is so short (that is the point of this series after all). I would love to have the author Ryken go ahead and do a full length treatment!!
Recommended

[Tim Casteel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful compliment to Pilgrim's Progress. Wish it would have been a little more thorough in its commentary and explanation. Gives a summary of each chapter and then a very brief commentary. Exactly what I was looking for - a solid, Christian commentary and explanation of a rather difficult read, Pilgrims Progress. Only wish it would have explained more and done so more fully.
Definitely helped me better understand and digest Pilgrim's Progress.

[Jon Cheek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good content, but would be better if it was more thorough.

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

While too general to be of great use, this was still a good companion for a reread of Bunyan’s classic.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one in a series by Leland Ryken, published by Crossway entitled "Christian Guides to the Classics." Ryken takes "Pilgrim's Progress" in full, both parts regarding Christian and Christiana's journeys. He writes cliff notes on each chapter followed by commentary on the chapter and then notes for reflection or discussion. There are also side bars that discuss different aspects such as the literary genre or literary details in the text. While this book can be read apart from "Pilgrim's Progress" it is also very much beneficial to read alongside "Pilgrim's Progress." Ryken's literary expertise and Christian insight illuminate the text. If you are interested, the other books in the series are on "The Scarlet Letter," "The Odyssey," "Paradise Lost," "Great Expectations," and "Macbeth."

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is basically a cliff's notes. Short summaries of sections of the book with some commentary. If you are at all familiar with Pilgrim's Progress and can even vaguely interpret the allegory then this will be of little value. Still, it contains a few helpful insights into the book as a work of literature.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good and very helpful for those of us not too familiar with reading literature critically. Added alot to my understanding of Bunyan's work and made me want to read it again!