JOHN BUNYAN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23129, 30 August 1938, Page 14

JOHN BUNYAN

ANNIVERSARY TO-MORROW GREAT * PROSE EPIC The 250 th anniversary of the death of John Bunyan falls to-morrow. The author of "The Pilgrim's Progress" was born at Elstow, near Bedford, in 1628, and as a youth followed his father's trade of tinker. On reaching manhood he suffered acute spiritual torments and saw terrifying visions, of which he later wrote a full account in his first book, "Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners." At length peace returned to him', and he reached considerable fame as a preacher. In 1660, during a period in which Xonconformists were being by Church and State, he was thrown into Bedford Gaol, where lie remained for 12 years, supporting his family by making shoelaces.

'"Grace Abounding" was written in prison, and it is believed that be composed the first part of his masterpiece during a further short period of incarceration in 1675. It- was published in IG7B, and at once gained such popularity that 10 editions were printedin seven years, the second part being added in 1684. Bunvan wrote several other less-known religious allegories, and in his latter years attained a wide influence, making regular preaching tours through all parts of England. Me died while on a visit to Loudon, and was buried in Bunbill Fields. '"1 he Pilgrim's Progress" was almost as widely read as the English Bible for more than two centuries, and although long neglected by literary wen it came eventually to its proper status a» a classic.