Written in Latin in the early 15th century, The Imitation of Christ is perhaps second only to the Bible in importance in Christian thought. Thomas Hemerken, aka THOMAS KEMPIS (1380-1471), was a Christian monk and mystic from Kempen, Germany, and he intended this patchwork of medieval mysticism for the most sincere and dedicated of believers-monks, nuns-but lay Christians find wisdom in his encouragement and teaching of a direct path to a relationship with God. Readers of Christian theology and students of medieval literature alike will be fascinated by this work, one of the most powerful influences on modern spirituality and philosophy.

It is difficult to imagine that something written in the early 15th century could still have any import or agency today, but The Imitation of Christ, composed by Thomas a Kempis in the first half of the 1400s, has attained widespread publication and translation and is still considered required reading for devout Christians. What sets it apart from other works of that age is the approach taken by Kempis in how the reader should emulate his Christ; instead of going out and living as Christ lived, Kempis instructs that isolation and a withdrawn existence provides the necessary environment for contemplation and imitation.

The secret of the amazing influence and converting power of this little book is the secret of the lives of all the Saints--their nearness to God, and the reflection of His love in their lives and writings. Thomas's theme is the love, mercy, and holiness of God: with vivid clarity he shows man's complete dependence on, and need for, God. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.

Of the Imitation of Christ is a devotional book of the 15th century, attributed to Thomas A Kempis. It has been translated into many languages. Few books have found such acceptance among Christians, both Catholics and Protestants.

The treatise “Of the Imitation of Christ” appears to have been originally written in Latin early in the fifteenth century. Its exact date and its authorship are still a matter of debate. Manuscripts of the Latin version survive in considerable numbers all over Western Europe, and they, with the vast list of translations and of printed editions, testify to its almost unparalleled popularity. One scribe attributes it to St. Bernard of Clairvaux; but the fact that it contains a quotation from St. Francis of Assisi, who was born thirty years after the death of St. Bernard, disposes of this theory. In England there exist many manuscripts of the first three books, called “Musica Ecclesiastica,” frequently ascribed to the English mystic Walter Hilton. Aeterna Press

In easy-to-read giant type, the Imitation of Christ from Catholic Book Publishing is a beautiful new edition of the original, deeply spiritual book by Thomas Kempis. In this revised, easy-to-read, prayer book size book, readers will experience the peace and wisdom that has comforted Catholics from around the world. The Imitation of Christ shows how to better live the life of a Christian by closely following Christ\'s example. This lovely maroon cloth-covered book also presents sections on the Rosary and the Stations of the Cross illustrated in full color. The Imitation of Christ will bless all who want to respond to the call to follow Jesus.

Version of the very popular Imitation of Christ featuring a bonded leather cover and a zipper binding