The Imitation of Christ (Penguin Classics) [Paperback]

Thomas a Kempis (Author), Leo Sherley-Price (Translator, Introduction)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1995 | Series: Penguin Classics

One of the best-loved books of Christianity after the Bible, The Imitation of Christ is a passionate celebration of God and His love, mercy and holiness, which has inspired conversion and stimulated religious devotion for over five hundred years. With great personal conviction, Thomas a Kempis (1380 1471) demonstrates the individual's reliance on God and on the words of Christ, and the futility of life without faith. Thomas spent some seventy years of his life in the reclusive environment of monasteries, yet in this astonishing work he demonstrates an encompassing understanding of human nature and his writing speaks to readers of every age and every nation.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Thomas a Kempis was born near Dusseldorf in 1380. He became attached to the Congregation of Common Life at the age of thirteen, and was professed in 1406, receiving the priesthood in 1413 at the age of thirty-three. he wrote many devotional works and became Sub-Prior and Master of the Novices at the monastery of Mount St Agnes. He died in 1471. Leo Sherley-Price was Rural Dean and parish priest in Devon., and translated a number of historical and theological books.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 217 pages
• Publisher: Penguin Classics (January 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140440275
• ISBN-13: 978-0140440270
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 4.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #317,734 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A very important book to Christianity, June 3, 2000

By 

Jeffrey Leach (Omaha, NE USA) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Imitation of Christ (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I'm not a Christian but I have almost completed a minor in Christianity at the college I attend. I study Christianity because of my interest in European history. This book, written by a 15th century cloistered monk, is amazing for its strong use of language to convey how one should interact with God through Jesus. But even outside the sphere of religious thought, there are some good statements that could apply to everyday life, although Thomas would scoff at the idea that someone could do this independent of God. Consider the following short excerpts:

"It is only by patience and true humility that we can grow stronger than all our foes." --pg. 40

"For every bodily pleasure brings joy at first, but at length it bites and destroys." --pg. 52

"Alas, a long life often adds to our sins rather than to our virtue!" --pg. 58

These are just a few quotes from a book that has many memorable lines. Most of the book deals with how man should submit himself to Christ. The format Thomas uses is dialogue, between Christ and a disciple. Like Plato's use of dialogue, it is an effective means of getting his ideas across. Thomas even examines the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, and concludes that only through pure thought and hard work at patience and humility can one be able to effectively use these sacraments to become one with Christ, and through him, God.

The only downfall I can see with this book is that it is aimed at the cloistered, or as Thomas calls them, the "Religious." Thomas sees the process of submitting to God as more then a full-time job. Because of this, most people would be shut out of union with Christ. But the book was written to help those in the monastery.

I certainly recommend this to anyone interested in Christian history or Christianity in general. I believe that for myself, I will probably read this again, as one reading isn't enough to get all the gold out of the text. The book used to be second only to the Bible in popularity. I read the Penguin version translated by Leo Sherley-Price.

41 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Incredible, Penetrating, Beautiful Spritual Rendering, August 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Imitation of Christ (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I'm not even Christian. I happen to be Jewish by background, and I think this is one of the deepest, most profound and most beautiful things I have ever read. I just stumbled across it at a bookstore, and ended up carrying it around with me for a long time. When I first read it, I felt heat coursing through me. The cover jacket says "After the bible, this is the touchstone and probably the best-loved book of Christianity." No Christians I asked, however, had ever heard of it, oddly enough. In any case, I believe everyone, Christians and non-Christians alike, would benefit tremendously from reading and contemplating this work.

Note: I have the Penguin Classics edition which is translated by Leo Sherley-Price.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lasting Peace, September 11, 2000

By 

catherine guelph "catrina_g" (milano, italy) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Imitation of Christ (Penguin Classics) (Paperback)

I enjoy this book. Thomas A Kempis (1380-1471) writes in a practical way the method of manifesting a spiritual commitment in a daily life experience. Few who seek to imitate the life of the Christ give thoughtful consideration of their own crucifixion. Fortunately, Thomas was free from this deception. In his chapter entitled On the Few Lovers of the Cross of Jesus, he writes, "Jesus has many who love His Kingdom in Heaven, but few who bear His Cross. He has many who desire comfort, but few who desire suffering. He finds many to share His feast, but few His fasting. All desire to rejoice with Him, but few are willing to suffer for His sake. Many follow Jesus to the Breaking of Bread, but few to the drinking of the Cup of his Passion. Many admire His miracles, but few follow Him in humiliation of His Cross. Many love Jesus as long as no hardship touches them. Many praise and bless Him, as long as they are receiving any comfort from Him. But if Jesus withdraws Himself, they fall to complaining and utter dejection. They who love Jesus for His own sake, and not for the sake of comfort for themselves, bless Him in every trial and anguish of heart, no less than in the greatest joy. And were He never willing to bestow comfort on them, they would still always praise Him and give Him thanks." I have found spiritual strength in these words. They have helped me to choose my spiritual relationship even when circumstances make that choice difficult. Although this book was written to Christians, I honestly think that anyone with a genuine spiritual interest can benefit. If you are interested in European Christianity in the 15th century, or are interested in building a spiritual relationship on a firm, pragmatic foundation, this book will interest you.