The Pilgrim’s Progress

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Author: John Bunyan

Recommended Age: 15+

Date Published: 1678

Genre: Allegory

Summary: A young man named Christian sets out from the City of Destruction in search of the Celestial City, but the forces of Apollyon are determined to impede his progress. 

Notes from The Radical Reader:

  • Noble Characters: Christian, Hopeful, Faithful, Evangelist, and so many more adorn the pages of John Bunyan’s classic allegory, The Pilgrim’s Progress. Written in the form of a dream, this story follows the adventures of Christian (Part One) and then his wife, Christiana, and their four sons (Part Two). Each page brings new characters to life as Christian and his friends make their way to the Celestial City.
  • Captivating Plots: Apollyon will do anything he possibly can to stop the King’s pilgrims from their journey. Distractions, detours, dangers – everything puts the pilgrims in peril every step of the way. And Christian, Hopeful, Faithful, Christiana, and so many more find themselves constantly fighting to stay on the true road and to keep the light of the Celestial City ever before them. 
  • Elaborate Worlds: Bunyan’s world is the path that every Christian must walk until death. Doubting Castle, the Slough of Despond, the Enchanted Ground – all are obstacles that Apollyon and his minions will use to try and deter Christians from their paths. Bunyan’s classic work beautifully illustrates the dangers of a pilgrim’s life, but the joy and peace of the Celestial City that every follower of the King will one day enjoy. 

For Other Ages:

If you’re looking for a shorter version of The Pilgrim’s Progress, one written in a simpler style, or one with beautifully illustrated drawings, then I highly recommend the options below. 

Pilgrims Progress Cheryl Ford

Ages 12-14

The Pilgrim’s Progress retold by Cheryl V. Ford retains almost all of the original story while rewriting it in easier English and broken into shorter paragraphs. It’s perfect for readers ages 12-14, but would be incredible as a read-aloud.

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Ages 8-11

This illustrated retelling of The Pilgrim’s Progress will delight young readers with this classic story. Dangerous Journey touches on the main parts of Christian’s story while also summarizing Christiana and her sons’ journey. This is a great book to read-aloud as a family or to let your younger children enjoy.