The Pilgrim's Progress

Since its publication in 1678, The Pilgrim's Progress has never been out of print. It is a Christian allegory of the journey from this world (the "City of Destruction") to the next/heaven (the "Celestial City"). A layman, Christian, undertakes the journey bearing the load of sin, and leaves his family behind when they refuse to accompany him. The work is considered one of the most significant in English literature.