John Bunyan (1628-1688) was an English preacher and author best known today for his religious allegory The Pilgrim's Progress, which became one of the most published books in the English language in the centuries following Bunyan's death. He spent twelve years in prison for leading religious gatherings other than at the established Anglican parish church. It was during this time in prison Bunyan wrote The Pilgrim's Progress, though it was not published for another six years after his release in 1672.