John Bunyan and the Language of Conviction

Publisher Description

This book undertakes a major reassessment of the works of John Bunyan (1628-88), the nonconformist author of "The Pilgrim's Progress", who was imprisoned for preaching his beliefs. Through a reading of each of his narratives, and many of his pastoral writings, both in textual detail and in relation to the various traditions - such as Reformed spirituality and the nonconformist trial - within which he lived, preached, and wrote, the author offers a systematic re-evaluation of Bunyan's development as an author. She presents new perspectives on his most popular works, "Grace Abounding" and "The Pilgrim's Progress", whilst arguing that the significance of the lesser-known "Life and Death of Mr Badman and The Holy War" has been severely underestimated; and she shows how overall the works offer a candid document of nonconformist experience in the Restoration period.