The Imitation of Christ

The Imitation of Christ is a Christian devotional book for the spiritual life, first written in Latin around 1420 by Thomas à Kempis (1380 - 1471). It was part of the Devotio Moderna movement which focused on humility, obedience, and simplicity of life. The Imitation is one of the most widely read devotional books after the Bible. Its popularity was immediate, going into 745 printings before 1650. It was translated into more languages than any other book except the Bible. The text is divided into four sub-books, each which provide detailed spiritual instructions: 1) Helpful Counsels of the Spiritual Life 2) Directives for the Interior Life 3) On Interior Consolation 4) On the Blessed Sacrament The emphasis is on an interior life and a withdrawal from the world. The book also emphasizes a strong devotion to the Eucharist. This version is cross-linked to the World English Bible.