Imitation of Christ [Hardcover]

Thomas A. Kempis (Author), Clare L. Fitzpatrick (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1985 | Series: 320/00

It is the hope of the publishers of this new edition of The Imitation of Christ that this treasured little book will become a spur to following the life of Christ to which all are called.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Catholic Book Publishing Company (May 1985)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0899423205
• ISBN-13: 978-0899423203
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,386 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful devotional of great historical significance, December 31, 2000

By 

Stephen M. Bainbridge "www.professorbainbridg... (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Imitation of Christ (Hardcover)

Thomas a Kempis was medival monk and priest (1380-1471) who served as chronicler of the monastery at Mt. St. Agnes. During his long life of scholarship, he wrote several biographies of church fathers and a number of devotional works. The "Imitation of Christ" remains his most famous work and the one that has best stood the test of time. Indeed, one of the wonderful things about this work is that it reminds us that the life of the mind is not a creature of the Enlightenment. Even during the so-called Dark Ages there were brilliant scholars with a wide knowledge of both scripture and philosophy. Reflecting its vibrant insight into the human condition, the "Imitation of Christ" remains influential on both sides of the Reformation divide. It reportedly was, for example, one of John Wesley's favorite devotionals.

The "Imitation of Christ" is divided into 4 books, each undertaking a basic theme for development. They are, respectively, the Spiritual Life, the Inner Life, Inward Consolation, and the Blessed Sacrament (i.e., the Eucharist). In turn, each book is sub-divided into numerous chapters, each a page or two long. All of which makes the "Imitation of Christ" a useful book for daily devotionals. One can skip around freely within the book, dipping in as the mood strikes. Yet, I think one is well-served by reading it through at least once. Only then does one see Thomas' thought in its fully-developed form. Do be sure to get a good translation. I am fond of the one by Leo Sherley-Price.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Imitation Of Christ-Thomas A Kempis-Beautiful Book., April 25, 2009

By 

Jose Lopez "Jose Lopez" (Miami,Florida USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Imitation of Christ (Hardcover)

This beautiful little gem of a book is a real inspiration and deep, It Strengthens my beliefs, my belief as a Catholic, As a Child of God, Nice Illustrations, This book is a book to meditate on , not really read , but Read,Understand, Meditate, Re-Read,Reflect. It's a Thinking Book.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I see why it is a classic, March 27, 2006

By 

D. C. Owens (NJ United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Imitation of Christ (Hardcover)

There are real nuggets of divine wisdom in this classic. My only concern is his very heavy animosity towards the world. His spiritual insights are rewarding, but I am (currently) a strong believer of being *in* the world but not *of* the world viz "Passionately loving the World" by St. Josemaria Escriva. I can still temper or filter his animosity to mine some real spiritual gems.