Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners

John Bunyan (1628-1688) is most famously known for writing "e;The Pilgrim's Progress"e;, a two-part allegory of the Christian pilgrimage toward salvation. The wildly popular book was written in Bedford during Bunyan's time in prison-he was sentenced to twelve years for holding unlicensed church services. During this time Bunyan also completed an autobiography recounting the story of his own conversion from a life of sin and impiety to one of virtue and spiritual regeneration. "e;Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners"e; illustrates the tenets of Puritanism through what Bunyan saw as God's saving grace in his own life. He reflects on a sinful youth, and how it led him towards an impious adulthood. Those who read the novel are comforted by Bunyan's honest admission to feelings of despair and doubt; even today, many people can identify with his struggles, and find inspiration in his faith and religious conviction.