Posted in News from Family Bookshelf, including Product Reviews

I recently ordered a copy of the Master Books/New Leaf Press reprint of an antique printing of Pilgrim's Progress from the year 1876. What a beautiful version of one of my all-time favorite books! This 960 page volume includes not only the beloved Pilgrim's Progress, but eight other books as well, and is well worth the price of $59.99. It will be sure to be a valued family heirloom for our family just as it was for many of our Christian ancestors through the ages.

Did you know that in the early days of our country, most homes had a copy of the Bible and a copy of Pilgrim's Progress? Many owned no other books at all, but next to the Bible, Bunyan's classic was the next most sought after book for our forefathers. No other book has been printed as many times through history, other than the Bible itself.

I personally like Part 2 of Pilgrim's Progress, the story of Christian's wife, Christiana, even better than Part 1. It is exciting to see her and all four boys start off on their own pilgrimage. It always amazes me that most people aren't aware that this was originally part of the book. Many copies now only include Part 1. If you haven't read this section, you have only read half of the tale!

Also included are The Holy War, which is another great allegorical tale about how Diabolus tries to regain control of the Metropolis of the World, and take back the city of Man Soul. It is an exciting adventure, just as is Pilgrim's Progress. You will also have the opportunity to read Bunyan's own personal memoir, his last sermon, his own account of his life before accepting Christ, all about his time in prison, and so much more.

I have found it to be a truly fascinating book. Add to this the dozen original etchings, and you have everything the original 1876 printing had except for the smell of an old book, which I personally love...lol. Master Books has done a magnificent job on this reprint of an old treasure. You will even love the embossed cover, which identical to the original volume.

This is a wonderful book that you will want to add to your family library. I now have our copy on the shelf beside our family Bible, just as my great-great grandparents would have done.

How I treasure the old books that were printed at the turn of the century and before. They have such great moral lessons to teach, as well as respect for God and one's elders, and also emphasize the Christian work ethic. I value my collection of Lamplighter Book reprints of some of these old treasures, and also my own collection of "the real thing" from antique book stores and flea markets.

Along with the obvious moral quality of most of these books, you can't beat them for teaching your child vocabulary skills. Most people today would shrink from the complex wording in these old books that were written for just common people. It shows how much our educational system today has lost over its counterpart of the 18th and 19th centuries. Thank goodness homeschoolers have rediscovered these gems and are preserving so many of them!

If you would like to order your own copy from Family Bookshelf, contact me by email at mkin@udata.com, or you can click on the link on the sidebar for Family Bookshelf.

With every order from Family Bookshelf of over $50, you will receive free shipping as well as a very nice surprise valued at $6! I'd love to help you surprise someone with this beautiful book for Christmas!