A Tinker and a Poor Man: John Bunyan and His Church, 1628-88

Bernard Shaw called John Bunyan England's greatest prose writer. Even today, next to the Bible, The Pilgrim's Progress is perhaps the world's bestselling book, translated into more than 200 languages. Although there are many important studies of Bunyan as a writer or religious figure, this scholarly book by an eminent British intellectual historian is unique in setting the tinker's son from Bedford against the history of his turbulent, revolutionary times. Hill authoritatively discusses not only Bunyan's life, theology and publications but also his attitude toward women, his hatred and contempt for the rich (on theological grounds), his roots in popular culture, his influence on working-class movements in England, America, China and Africa, as well as his role as creative artist. A major work for a specialized audience. (Jan.)