The pilgrim's progress /

In this classic work of allegorical fiction, Christian, a man-or possibly Everyman-battles his way to heaven. The path is strenuous, strewn with both mental temptations and physical struggles. Later, his wife and children follow a similar, although slightly gentler, path. As in Dante's earlier and better known Divine Comedy, the road to heaven described here is both physical and mental, even though Bunyan's Protestant path and language are far more austere than those found in Dante's lush, Catholic work. David Shaw-Parker gives a wonderfully expressive reading of a text that is somewhat complex and archaic to the modern ear. verdict Recommended for individuals with a strong interest in important, pre-19th-century literary classics, allegories, or epics.-I. Pour-El, Ames Jewish Congregation, IA (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

This is a retelling, not an abridgement, geared for older children and young adults who want to know Bunyan's story but who might well find the language of the original incomprehensible, even in the Godolphin abridgement. The allegorical quest for faith--avoiding the Slough of Despond, escaping the temptations of Vanity Fair, and fending off the giant Despair--still makes a good story. Poet Reeves' changes are mostly cuts of long discussions, but he has also done some simplifying as well as rewriting to add imagery. For example, Evangelist's warning that Worldly-Wiseman is of a ""carnal temper"" becomes ""According to them, you only have to follow a few easy rules, and you can stuff your belly with roast meat and sleep on a feather mattress. . ."" The black-and-white full-page drawings are in a woodcut-like style with a rustic stiffness that fits the story. It is unfortunate, though, that Bunyan does not get onto the title-page. Overall, this should not replace the lovely Lawson/Godolphin illustrated abridged version, but it is a respectful retelling of the Puritan classic that has been beloved by many generations of children. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.