Bunyan

First published in 1880, this biography explores the life of John Bunyan (1628–88), author of The Pilgrim's Progress.

James Anthony Froude (Author)

9781108034661, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 3 November 2011

194 pages
21.6 x 14 x 1.1 cm, 0.25 kg

John Bunyan (1628–88), the Bedfordshire tinker and non-conformist preacher, is best known for writing The Pilgrim's Progress. Published in 1880 in the first series of English Men of Letters, this revealing biography by J. A. Froude (1818–94), historian and friend and biographer of Thomas Carlyle, traces Bunyan's life from his troubled childhood to his early spiritual experiences, his career as a dissenting minister and his imprisonment (during which he contemplated and wrote many of his works) for preaching unlawfully. Setting The Pilgrim's Progress within the context of Bunyan's life, Froude argues that the struggles of its 'hero', Christian, to overcome temptation and sin reflected Bunyan's personal turmoil as he was plagued with guilt and self-doubt, feelings that were only further compounded upon his religious conversion. Froude's study can be read with interest today by scholars of theology and literature alike.

1. Early life
2. Conviction of sin
3. Grace abounding
4. Call to the ministry
5. Arrest and trial
6. The Bedford Gaol
7. Life and death of Mr. Badman
8. The Holy War
9. The Pilgrim's Progress
10. Last days and death.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]