Pilgrim's Progress [Fore-Edge Painting]

“Born story-teller” John Bunyan crafted “a story which is a masterpiece because of its gripping and basic character. We need not agree with Christian’s theological technicalities; but we must share the acute agony expressed in his first lamentable cry in his search for peace and quiet of mind—‘What shall I do?” (Baugh et al., 799-800). “Bunyan wrote this book in Bedford Gaol, which may bring hope and consolation to some of the myriads of those imprisoned for conscience’ sake since his day… the early demand for the book was not from the learned, but from the pious and the young. It was at first fashionable to sneer at Bunyan as a writer, but the approval of such as Swift, Johnson and Walpole marked a change. Now it is universally known and loved, and the parable of salvation is accepted by all denominations” (PMM 156). It has also been cited as the first novel written in English.