Pilgrim's Progress

Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan is an allegory full of Christian truths - everyone who calls themselves a Christian should read it. But it's an important literary classic as well and any student of English literature should be familiar with it. For example, I recall in a college English Lit. class when we were reading Vanity Fair, the teacher didn't even mention where the title came from (PP) and how the meaning of the title is relevant to the story.

There are various versions out there - the best ones include Bunyan's footnotes with scripture references. I would also recommend that modern readers select an edition in Modern English if they find that the "Old King James" English bogs them down. 

Bunyan's goal was to present Christian doctrine and truths in a way that was entertaining and memorable. This is the reason for the short sermons that are included in the dialogue - a common method of instruction. Also he gives the characters such obvious names so that his meaning will be easily understood by the reader. While someone who is not a Christian or is unfamiliar with the Bible may enjoy and profit from reading this, it definitely holds more meaning and instruction for the Christian reader.

Charles Spurgeon said that if Bunyan were to be poked, he would bleed scripture - he knew it so well! This comes through in Pilgrim's Progress as he incorporates so many concepts and terms from the Bible throughout the story.