The Holy War
is an allegorical story which describes a conflict raging in the town of Mansoul - "Man's Soul" - as a consequence of the townspeople being deceived into casting off the benevolent and just rule of its king, Shaddai.
A lively and deep narration, The Holy War is at its core a discussion of man's fallibility when faced with temptation and the deceptions of evil doers. Diabolus, who is the story's representation of Satan, is seen to win certain figures to his cause through lies delivered with silky, ruinous speechcraft. Various emotions, virtues and attributes of humankind receive characterization, as we witness Mansoul's plight ensue and wonder whether the town will survive.
John Bunyan was a religious scholar who held the Bible and other ancient, holy texts in the greatest regard. This story's narrative frequently corresponds to events depicted in the Biblical Old Testament; man's fall and redemption through God form the essence of The Holy War. Today, this story is considered an early classic of Christian literature.
Unlike other, abridged editions, this version of The Holy War retains the introductory poem penned by Bunyan, together with a short preface. The updates to the English are adapted from an edition published in 1907, which strove to preserve the expressions and poignant, literary depth of the original prose.