Graceful Reading: Theology and Narrative in the Works of John Bunyan

by Michael Davies

Overview

Graceful Reading is a study of the writings of the 17th-century preacher John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim's Progress. The book reassesses the relationship between Bunyan's theology and his narrative style, redefining them both according to a more specific understanding of 17th-century "Calvinism", and a more "postmodernist" understanding of narrative.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780199242405
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	08/29/2002
Pages:	412
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 5.70(h) x 1.20(d)

About the Author

Michael Davies is Lecturer in English at the University of Leicester

Table of Contents

Introduction1. A comfortable doctrine: John Bunyan's theology of grace2. Bunyan's exceeding maze: doctoring and doctrine in Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners3. Of things seen and unseen: graceful reading and narrative practice in Grace Abounding4. Into an allegory: method, metaphor, and the apology of The Pilgrim's Progress5. 'Sweet fiction and sweet truth': theology and narrative in The Pilgrim's Progress6. First among sequels: John Bunyan's other allegoriesPostscript: the legacy of The Pilgrim's Progress

Editorial Reviews

"Advanced students and scholars may find this book interesting, particularly Davies'treatment of allegory in Pilgrim's Progress and the parallels he draws between Bunyan's narrative and postmodern theory."—Religious Studies Review

"Davies' endeavor is a most valuable contribution to literary studies of Bunyan."—Calvin Theological JournalR^

From the Publisher