Understanding Pilgrims Progress

John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress is an allegory in two parts.
The first part tells the story of Christian’s pilgrimage from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City.
The second part concerns the subsequent journey of Christian’s wife and sons and a growing number of other pilgrims.
This book is a devotional guide to John Bunyan’s work.
It is designed to be an aid to those already familiar with this Christian classic and to those for whom it is new territory.
This guide explains the meaning of the events in the story and draws out the Bible truths of The Pilgrim’s Progress.
It divides the story into short chapters, each focused on a particular theme and each ending with a prayer.
It is hoped that readers will be struck by three features of John Bunyan’s great work: its thorough-going biblical content; its pastoral compassion and sensitivity; and its timeless relevance.

‘…In a series of daily readings, Robert Bashford makes links between Bunyan’s narrative and Scripture, and, like the great preacher, Bunyan, himself, he offers helpful practical application. The narrative is explained, God’s Word is brought to bear and
practical application made. If this volume reacquaints a generation with Bunyan’s majestic, prophetic masterpiece then it will achieve a noble end.’
Mark Lucas, Rector of St Botolph, Barton Seagrave

‘…Robert Bashford provides an encouraging and concise guide to
accompany us through The Pilgrim’s Progress. He explains old language that is easily misunderstood, symbolism that is often overlooked and many Biblical references I would otherwise have failed to notice. ... As a result, I came away with a deeper love for the Lord and a richer appreciation of how relevant John Bunyan’s depiction of the Christian life continues to be.’
Nolan D. R. Robson, Rector of Thrapston, Denford and Islip

Robert Bashford taught languages in a secondary school in Essex for some years. He was involved in the work of Crusaders (now Urban Saints) and led Scripture Union beach-mission teams.
He then became a full-time church minister, serving in Essex,
Bedfordshire and Kent, and is now an actively retired minister in
Northamptonshire. He is married and has two daughters and six grandchildren. His interests are music, reading, walking and photography.