John Bunyan

I'm about a third of the way through Faith Cook's new biography of John Bunyan 'Fearless Pilgrim' (EP hardback £16.95). So far, so good. It is in her usual interesting and easy style. Perfect Christmas present material. Some might question the need for another book on one of the most studied Christians of all time. But I get the feeling that the present generation has perhaps less knowledge of him - is 'Pilgrim's Progress' still a fave book? What a pity if decreasing familiarity with older English form and style becomes a barrier to that classic book with its original inimitable phrases. But Faith Cook also directs attention to the fact that he wrote so much more than 'Pilgrim's Progress' and 'The Holy War'. In fact his output was prolific. Amazing considering his lack of (formal) education and grim persecution. Thankfully different American publishers have maintained in print virtually the whole range of his works in their individual compositions - Reiner, Grace Abounding Ministries, and Gospel Mission. We featured a couple of books in our mailout this Autumn, but we distribute all the others plus those available from UK publishers. See our John Bunyan special listing. I try to spend as much time as possible cowering behind the covers of 'Fearless Pilgrim' because our new stock management system has just gone live, and the bullets are flying. Some tweaking is necessary already, but if that's all I'll be more than pleased. It's a nervy ride for a Mr Faint-heart!

Jeremy

Still time yet!

Despite Lorna hastening us on into May already, I would remind you that there is enough of April yet to pick up a bundle deal.

Bundle 1 : John Bunyan is a super option at just £12, saving around 15% on the cost price if the 3 books were bought individually. It has been carefully put together for the younger age range, as an introduction to the 'must-read' man. You have the whole of Pilgrim's Progress as well as the Holy War in the bundle, together with a easy biography from the Lutterworth Press 'Faith and Fame' series.The classic books are by no means merely childish just because they have been put into modern English. Of course nothing can match the original for literary style, but at least the truths Bunyan was wanting to communicate through his metaphorical artistry remain. Another group who might benefit from these books are those for whom English is a second language. This is increasingly so in our society.

Get in there quick!

Jeremy

Christian Behaviour by John Bunyan

Those that know me will know that I have a certain fascination with books on 'Child Training' - I am always tempted to buy them in, then they sit on my bedside table for months while I decide if they really are any good and if they are worth stocking. Having now read 'Christian Behaviour' by John Bunyan I realise that really all these books could be boiled down to a few pages - and John Bunyan does this perfectly. This small paperback (76pp) starts by expounding Titus 3:7,8

That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

and, as you read further you realise how important this introductory section is. The 'ground rules' are laid down: Faith is all important. Bunyan then moves on to the specifics - the master of the family, parents, correction of children, masters to servants, duties of wives, duties of children to parents, servants to masters and neighbours to each other. He writes in typical puritan style with lots of subheadings and sub-subheadings but he is easy to follow and very practical in his applications. For only £2.95 (maybe the low price explains the poor cover design?), I really would recommend this as a useful addition to any bedside table!

Lorna