Graceful Reading Theology and Narrative in the Works of John Bunyan [Hardcover]

Graceful Readingis a study of the writings of the 17th-century preacher John Bunyan, author ofThe 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.

Introduction
1. A comfortable doctrine: John Bunyan's theology of grace
2. Bunyan's exceeding maze: doctoring and doctrine inGrace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners
3. Of things seen and unseen: graceful reading and narrative practice inGrace Abounding
4. Into an allegory: method, metaphor, and the apology ofThe Pilgrim's Progress
5. 'Sweet fiction and sweet truth': theology and narrative inThe Pilgrim's Progress
6. First among sequels: John Bunyan's other allegories
Postscript: the legacy ofThe Pilgrim's Progress

Advanced students and scholars may find this book interesting, particularly Davies'treatment of allegory inPilgrim's Progressand 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

Michael Davies is Lecturer in English at the University of Leicester