Written by English dissenter John Bunyan in the 17th century it would be deemed an important work in religious literature because of it's simplicity. The common people might not be able to understand the scriptures from the Bible or Book of Common Prayer but this story is easily understood even by children. My version includes a preface which tells a brief history of the author and it is most valuable and of interest. Bunyan writes as a narrator of a dream, a man called Christian (aptly named) leaves his home in the city of Destruction, where sin runs rampant and is about to be destroyed and sets out on a Pilgrimage to save his soul. Along his path he meets various people who all have meaningful names and they will either help or try to hinder him. Just as in life it's all about choices, Christian has to decide who to trust and who not to trust. The author also has many songs, poems and quotes within the story. The fact that Bunyan wrote this work rather than just bide his time in prison shows remarkable character and spirituality in the man, just reading this you can feel he is very passionate in his beliefs.

Only read it if you are into 17th century Christian propaganda.

The first half of this book, the half that deals with Christian, and that is more commonly known in pop culture, is amazing. I loved the first half. The first half truly deserves it's place as a classic of Christian fiction.

My problem comes with the second half, which follows the same formula too closely. Christiana's journey isn't as interesting to the reader, especially not when reading it in the same volume as the first, because she literally retraces Christian's steps and often takes time to recount the events of the first part of the book. In addition, Christiana herself is an interesting character, being a mother trying to shepherd a group of her own children and (as the book goes on) a few others both elderly and of an age with her own kids to the Celestial City; however her journey itself isn't anywhere near as interesting as Christian's was. She gets a guide on the road to the Celestial City, and avoids a lot of the more interesting pitfalls. By the last third of the book I was suffering reader fatigue in a major way, and just didn't care if Christiana and company made it or not.

I do want to say, though, I have heard a really excellent audio drama of both halves of this book, and that I enjoyed, since the dramatization succeeds in making what is a boring read an interesting listen. Definitely I would say if you want to read the whole thing, find an audio book. I found that a much better experience.

I listened to an audio version of this- to become acquainted with the cultural/literary references, not for any religious reason- and time and time again, it proved effective as a sleep aid. I can see how, when taken in small doses and earnestly discussed afterward, this book might be somewhat useful for trying to understand scripture... I just have very little interest in doing so myself. Hence, it dragged more for me than I imagine it would for its average reader (which is not an inconsiderable amount, seeing as how the narration is difficult and archaic and the story isn't exactly gripping.)

I know it's vain of me to review my own book and perhaps shocking that I give it only two stars. But the fact is I failed in this book - and I would know. I intended or as satire, people, and none of you got it. I mean, all those ridiculous character names! How could you not see it? Because I'm a horrible writer that's why. Read Frank L. Baum's "Wizard of Oz" if you want a GOOD journey story.
What is worst is that this book is a "classic" and SO many people have read it. My far superior book, the first of the series, "The Pilgrim Starts Out", is lost to history while "The Pilgrim's Progress" remains in print. Believe me, it is no loss that the third book, "The Pilgrim Finally Arrives" is also forgotten. That book suuuuuuucked.
I suppose I should be thankful that so many have bought this book and liked it, even if for the wrong reason.

- John Bunyan