Was John Bunyan a Gipsy?

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Simson, James, 1826-

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Was John Bunyan a Gipsy?" by James Simson is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the controversial question of whether John Bunyan, the famous author of "Pilgrim's Progress," belonged to the Gipsy race. Simson argues for this claim based on both historical context and Bunyan's own words, analyzing societal prejudice and the complex heritage of the Gipsy population in Great Britain. In the book, Simson presents a compelling argument asserting that Bunyan's family background hints at Gipsy ancestry, given the derogatory way he described his origins as "meanest and most despised." He critiques various contemporary scholars who dismiss the connection between Bunyan and the Gipsies, stating that societal prejudices contribute to the refusal of acknowledging this aspect of Bunyan's identity. By providing historical context and personal accounts, Simson seeks to uplift the Gipsy identity, pushing for recognition and understanding of this often marginalized group, emphasizing that Bunyan's legacy could serve as a bridge to support the cause of the Gipsy people. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Transcribed from the 1882 Maclachlan & Stewart edition by David Price

Notes:

Reading ease score: 59.7 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2016-03-14