The Pilgrim's Progress: An Illustrated Christian Classic

The Pilgrim's Progress has inspired readers across the centuries to persevere in their faith. For longstanding fans of Bunyan's tale, or for those encountering it for the first time, this illustrated edition offers new beauty and insight with striking hand-painted illustrations and enlightening commentary for all ages.

Inside you'll find:

• 15 chapters, accompanied by gorgeous hand-painted scenes at the beginning of each chapter
• annotations embedded across every chapter to help readers gain a deeper understanding of the allegory
• a presentation page for thoughtful gifting and a notes section to write down your thoughts
• colorful artwork throughout the entire book

Originally written for the everyman, John Bunyan's Christian classic has since found its way into the libraries of scholars and universities as well--a true masterpiece for the ages. Its historical richness, eloquent symbolism, and stunning prose have withstood the test of time, and this new edition helps readers appreciate the timeless beauty found in Bunyan's words.

The Pilgrim's Progress is perfect for:

• homeschooling families or an addition to your family library
• men, women, and children who enjoy learning about history

Since its publication in 1678, The Pilgrim's Progress has been translated into more than 200 languages. It's a worldwide bestseller, second only to the Bible, and it has become a hallmark among scholars and theologians around the globe.

John Bunyan was born in Elstow, Bedfordshire, England, in 1628. He learned to read and write at the village school and was prepared to follow his father's trade as a brazier when the English Civil War broke out in 1644 and he was drafted into the Parliamentary army. His military service brought him into contact with Oliver Cromwell's Puritan troops. Beginning in 1648, Bunyan suffered a crisis in religious faith that lasted for several years. He turned to the Nonconformist church in Bedford to sustain him during this period. His first writings were attacks against the Quakers. Then Charles II was restored to the throne and Bunyan was arrested for conducting services not in accordance with the Church of England. He spent 12 years in jail. During this time, he wrote his autobiography, Grace Abounding, in which he described his spiritual struggle and growth. During his last years in prison, Bunyan began his most famous work, The Pilgrim's Progress, a two-part allegorical tale of the character Christian and his journey to salvation. Part I was published in 1678 and Part II in 1684. The second part deals with the spiritual journey of Christian's wife and sons, as they follow in his footsteps. With its elements of the folktale tradition, The Pilgrim's Progress became popular immediately. Well into the nineteenth century it was a book known to almost every reader in England and New England, second in importance only to the Bible. Bunyan died in London on August 31, 1688.