Thomas A Kempis

Thomas Kempis was a Medieval Catholic monk and author of The Imitation of Christ, considered to be one of the best-known Christian books on devotion. He was apparently (accidentally) buried alive, because splinters were later found embedded under the fingernails of his corpse. He was denied canonization on the grounds that a saint would not fight death. The Imitation of Christ was first written in Latin in 1418. The book was divided into four books and is intended to assist the soul in finding holiness and communion with God. It was first written in verse form. The statements are written for monastics and ascetics. Within all its reflections runs the counsel of self-renunciation.

This classic of Christian devotional literature, with readings focused on the life of Christ, has brought understanding and comfort to millions for centuries. Written in a candid and conversational style, The Imitation of Christ discusses liberation from worldly inclinations, recollection as a preparation for prayer, the consolations of prayer, and the place of eucharistic communion in a devout life. The Read & Reflect with the Classics edition of The Imitation of Christ includes the classic text in an easy to read adaption coupled with personal reflection questions, additional study questions, and prayer prompts for today's Christian reader.

"Let it be our chief occupation to think upon the life of Jesus Christ. " One of the best-loved texts of Christianity after the Bible, this book has been influential since it was first written more than five centuries ago, with people such as John Wesley and John Newton profoundly touched by it at their conversions. Written by a German monk, it is essentially a manual on the pursuit of holiness and deep communion with God, with its key theme that the study of Jesus is the Christian's highest ideal. With great personal conviction, Kempis demonstrates the individual's reliance on God and on the words of Christ, and the futility of life without faith.

Let it be our chief occupation to think upon the life of Jesus Christ. THE IMITATION OF CHRIST is one of the great classics on spiritual devotion. It has been influential since it was first written over five centuries ago, with people such as John Wesley and John Newton profoundly touched by it at their conversions. Written by a German monk, it is essentially a manual on the pursuit of holiness and deep communion with God, with its key theme that the study of Jesus is the Christian's highest ideal. This new edition includes an introduction by the translator and a new foreword by J. John.